Tech Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry seeks an Architectural Specification Writer with excellent technical and communications skills to join our expanding practice. If you have a strong interest in product research, collaborating in creative design decisions, and providing technical guidance to design teams, this position may be for you. In addition to project specification writing, you will engage in quality control and may participate in project bidding and periodic construction site visits. The successful candidate will work with all levels of staff within the firm and will take the initiative to research and develop project specifications from start to finish.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
anagers and Junior Design Staff. Technical proficiency and an ability to develop and maintain design intent throughout all project phases is necessary. As paeam, you will work on a variety of project types and be instrumental in the growth and development of the off
Responsibilities
You are part of a team
As a member of the specification writing team, you will work among other specifiers to support clients and project teams across the country in the creation of project specifications and project manuals. You will apply your knowledge to a variety of project types, from commercial, to civic, and institutional. You will collaborate with teams in selecting appropriate products and materials for the project type and region while working with clients and contractors to develop project manuals. As a member of the specification team, you will also aid in creating and maintaining standards and templates to support various project types and service regions.
This role provides opportunities for career growth for those who demonstrate subject matter expertise, specialization, and strong contribution to the betterment of firm standards and practices.
As an Architectural Specifier, you will:
Collaborate and coordinate with multiple project teams and consultants to provide and refine information included in the construction documents - drawings and specifications.

• • Oversee the preparation of Project Manuals for projects of different scales and complexity. Prepare and review the procurement and contracting requirements, including Division 0 and Division 1 sections. Coordinate those requirements with technical sections of specifications.
  • Review drawings, documents, and team interviews to determine the extent of specification needs. Coordinate compliance with project requirements, firm standards, and existing laws, regulations, rules, and codes.
  • Write, edit, coordinate, and produce architectural outline specifications and 3-part specifications for various types of projects following CSI MasterFormat.
• Perform QC review of design drawings for quality control, technical accuracy and coordination with specifications in BlueBeam or another digital format.
• Collaborate with project architects, managers, and designers in product and material selection. Perform material and product research. Coordinate with design teams and consultants and assist with material and system constructability analysis. Incorporate sustainable design solutions into projects.
• Coordinate and review engineering and consultant technical specifications and compile all into complete Project Manual.
• Provide specification support through Construction Administration. Support CA team to ensure design intent is met during construction. Assist team during construction phase to evaluate substitutions, submittals, and respond to RFIs. Obtain feedback relative to specified product performance during CA.
• Participate in developing and improving document standards and best practice procedures, coordinating with design, specification, LEED, QA/QC, and construction administration personnel.
• Develop, meet with, and maintain relationships with product representatives. Stay current with product and system development, new methods and materials, code changes, and industry trends. Educate staff on issues related to specifications, keynoting, technical materials information, new product materials, and new technology.
• Act as a resource for technical questions, technical detail review, submittal review, and material and product selections.

Required Skills & Required Experience
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of architectural design, engineering coordination, design trends, products, construction methodology, building systems, material application and manufacturer/supplier appropriateness.
• Ability to review and understand programs, drawings, and design narratives to discern design intent. Ability to meet with project designers, architects, and managers to discern product desires before they are documented and help the design team decide on product selections in a timely manner.

Strong Knowledge of:

• • Various methods of project delivery and procurement models, both private and public.
  • Construction procedures and schedules.
  • Building codes, energy compliance requirements, OSHA, ADAAG standards, federal and state compliance requirements.
  • AIA contracts and standard construction phase documents.
• General understanding of civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and similar building systems.
• Ability to research and apply/incorporate findings into technical documents.
• Ability to self-organize, work on multiple projects simultaneously, and produce results within deadlines.

What will you contribute?

• Construction Specifications Institute certifications of CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) and CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) are an asset.
• 10+ years of experience in architectural practice required, with minimum 3-5 years in specification development and delivery of project manual.
• Experience in delivery of project technical documents and ability to interface with clients and consultants.
• Excellent ability to lead project tasks with minimum supervision deliver in timely manner.
• Resume with a large variety of public sector project types both in size and complexity a plus.

Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record and ability to pass a driving record background check.
Don't meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employee's. So if you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.