Specifications Writer

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

The Arcadis Pacific Northwest Education Practice is searching for a Specification Writer to join its growing team. This position is based in the Pacific Northwest Offices (Portland and Seattle), however, collaboration with other Arcadis offices is expected. As a Specification Writer you will perform general trades specification writing and coordination of allied engineering specifications for various projects primarily in the K-12 education sector.

Role accountabilities:

• Interpret architectural, engineering, and interior design plans and prepare material lists and specifications to be used as standards by contractors related to building construction activities


• Analyze plans and details or diagrams, observe and makes notes on materials to prepare specifications for construction activities


• Write technical descriptions specifying material qualities and properties, utilizing knowledge of material standards, construction processes or manufacturing procedures


• Conduct quality reviews of construction documents while researching and preparing specifications


• Develop specification requirements and solutions


• Work with project teams to develop documents throughout project phases


• Develop and maintain an office master specification


• Assist and mentor staff on technical issues for both project and specification related issues


• Function as a technical resource to staff


• Stay current on product development, new materials, code changes and industry trends


• Organize lunch and learns with industry representatives


• Facilitate lessons learned discussions in the office


• Work directly with clients to tailor and finalize front-end specifications for bidding

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, diploma in architectural technology or another construction‐related field


• 5+ years of experience writing specifications


• Computer skills with an emphasis on Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Bluebeam


• Worked in prior building construction settings, including but not limited to architecture firms, architecture‐engineering firms, construction management or specification consulting firms


• Extensive knowledge of building codes, industry standards, structures, and materials standards


• Superior written and verbal English communication skills


• Excellent interpersonal skills, working with others in a team setting, communicating directly with Owner and Contractor contact, and working on multiple projects at the same time


• Active Member of Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is encouraged


• LEED AP certification is a plus


• Experience with Revit is a plus


• Experience with SpecLink and VisiSpecs is a plus


• K-12 education experience is not required but will be favored


• Project management and project architect experience is not required but will be favored

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP,  401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.  We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $82,400.00 - $123,600.00.

Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.

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