📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Specification Writer
🔹 Company: AECOM
🔹 Location: Columbus, Ohio & North Charleston, South Carolina
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Architecture & Engineering
🔹 Date Posted: April 22, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Columbus & Cleveland offices)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the writing and management of specifications for various complex projects
- Collaborating with teams across multiple offices to develop detailed, project-specific specifications
- Maintaining awareness of industry standards and resources
- Proposing continual development and improvement of master specifications
- Contributing to regional initiatives related to standards development, training, and mentorship
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in specification writing, with a strong focus on collaboration and project management.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Leads the specifications writing and management for multiple projects
✅ Identifies LEED and other sustainability measurement methods in their work
✅ Works as a collaborative member of a team and assists staff in the preparation of contract documents
✅ Translates project needs using thorough understanding of project design requirements
✅ Reviews drawings and other project information to write and edit project specifications
✅ Maintains awareness of industry reference standards and resources
✅ Proposes continual development and improvement of master specifications
✅ Contributes to regional initiatives related to standards development, training, and mentorship
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of independence and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
Experience: 6+ years of relevant experience (10+ years preferred)
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in specification writing
- Good working knowledge of building codes and construction materials and techniques
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Knowledge of specification formats (Masterformat, Uniformat, and narrative approaches)
Preferred Skills:
- CSI Certification (CDT or CCS)
- Architectural Licensure
- Experience with Federal Government projects
- Knowledge of LEED and other sustainability measurement methods
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is required, a Master's degree or relevant certifications may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a Senior Specification Writer with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability Benefits
- Paid Time Off, Leaves of Absences, Voluntary Benefits, Perks
- Flexible Work Options, Well-being Resources, Employee Assistance Program
- Business Travel Insurance, Service Recognition Awards, Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible work options available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and negotiation skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Civil Engineering
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global presence)
Founded: 1990 (as AECOM Technology Corporation)
Company Description:
- AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water, and government
- The company's services include engineering, design, program management, construction management, operations and maintenance, and consulting
- AECOM is committed to delivering a better world through innovative solutions that meet the needs of its clients and communities
Company Specialties:
- Cities
- Commercial & Residential
- Education
- Governments
- Healthcare
- Industrial
- Leisure & Hospitality
- Oil, Gas & Chemicals
- Power
- Sports & Venues
- Transportation
- and Water
Company Website: http://www.aecom.com
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's global presence and diverse project portfolio offer candidates the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects with significant impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Senior Manager of Specifications
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Columbus & Cleveland offices) with flexible work options available
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibility and advance to a management role
- Opportunity to work on diverse and complex projects, gaining valuable experience
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their skills and advance their career within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM's offices are modern and collaborative workspaces, designed to foster creativity and productivity
Office Location(s): Columbus, Ohio & Cleveland, Ohio
Geographic Context:
- Columbus, Ohio: A vibrant city with a growing tech industry, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- North Charleston, South Carolina: A coastal city with a rich history and a growing economy, offering a mild climate and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexible work options available
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, providing flexibility and a better work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- In-depth technical interview with the Specifications Team
- Final interview with the Senior Manager of Specifications
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in specification writing
- Project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
- Communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in your resume, focusing on specification writing and project management
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your fit with AECOM's company culture
- Prepare examples of your specification writing work to showcase during the interview
ATS Keywords: Specification Writing, Construction Products, Building Codes, Sustainability, Project Management, Architecture, Communication Skills, MS Office, LEED, Team Collaboration, Mentorship, Training, Technical Expertise, Design, Engineering, Resiliency
ASSUMPTION: AECOM's application process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Autodesk Revit
- Bluebeam
- SpecsIntact
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is essential for this role, with a focus on MS Office Suite and specification writing software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Excellence
- Innovation
- One AECOM
- Respect
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Passion
- Make a Difference
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment?
- Are you passionate about delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations?
- Are you adaptable and responsive to change, with a commitment to continuous learning?
ASSUMPTION: AECOM values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in specification writing
- Working effectively in a hybrid work environment
- Adapting to changes in project scope or priorities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and effective communication and collaboration with team members.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Specification Writer or Specification Manager in other architecture and engineering firms
- However, AECOM's global presence and diverse project portfolio offer unique opportunities for career growth and exposure to a wide range of projects
- Career paths in this role may include advancement to a management role or transition to a more specialized technical role within the organization
ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other senior specification writing roles, AECOM's unique culture and global presence offer distinct opportunities for career growth and development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Writing specifications for a new commercial office building in downtown Columbus
- Developing master specifications for a series of government facilities across the United States
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to write specifications for a new healthcare campus in North Charleston
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and complex nature of the work involved in this role, with a focus on collaboration and project management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does this role fit into the organization's long-term goals and growth plans?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and career advancement within the organization?
- How does the team collaborate and communicate to ensure project success?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working at AECOM, according to current employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in specification writing and project management
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your fit with AECOM's company culture
- Prepare examples of your specification writing work to showcase during the interview
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
