Construction Technical Specification Writer

McKissack is a historic minority-owned professional design and construction firm with over 120 years of experience. Renowned for delivering high-quality projects across diverse communities, we are committed to excellence, innovation, and community impact through our core services in construction, construction management, and program management.

Title: Technical Specification Writer

The Technical Spec Writer Consultant will report to the Design Manager and support the School District Office of Capital Programs.

Job Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understands school design requirements and translates those requirements into materials, methods, equipment, procedures, installation, and certification testing necessary to provide the narrative descriptions which are used to procure, install and erect building components.
• Provides input and material substitution and selection for LEED certification. Provides project budget input related to product and system value choices regarding cost versus quality.
• Performs product research; assists the School District of Philadelphia (SOP} with setting material selection, system research, and design standards.
• Updating SDP's design standards to align with modern technology, resiliency, and sustainability resulting in extended life-cycle of existing and future schools.
• Provides development and improvement of SOP Master Specifications including its specialized content for project type or regional conditions as well as sustainable content
• Responsible for integration of specifications into the Design Standards.
• Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.

Teamwork:

• Assists design architects and construction project mangers with material and system constructability analysis.
• Assists design architects with product substitution review.
• Coordinates and reviews consultant technical specifications for conformance with SOP standards.
• Participates in project life cycle cost analysis.
• Maintains technical resource library and list of technical resource contacts.
• Archives technical files to ensure consistent project milestone documentation.
• May conduct internal specifications training.
• Participates in developing and improving SOP document standards and best practice procedures.

ATTACHMENT G SCHEDULE OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Job Title: Technical Specification Writer (continued)

Required Skills :

• Strong knowledge of architectural design, engineering coordination, design trends, products, construction methodology, building systems, material application, and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness.
• Strong knowledge of construction procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of building envelope components, interior plans and material requirements of school buildings, facilities, and campuses is required.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and ability to research and apply/incorporate into technical documents.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED guidelines.
• Proficiency in specifications software programs such as MasterSpecs preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and produce results within deadline.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Required Experience :

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering or equivalent in education or experience required. Master's degree preferred.
• 5 years in architectural practice with prior experience in specifications development.
• LEED is preferred.
• Construction Specifications Institute Certification preferred.

Pay: Up to $120,016.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 2% match
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you a Construction Industry Tech Writer? Yes, should be the answer before you apply to this role.

Ability to Commute:

• Philadelphia, PA 19130 (Required)

Work Location: In person