Job Description

The Opportunity:
MCW is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Specification Writer to join our engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, coordinating and maintaining project specifications for mechanical and electrical building systems. This role is critical in ensuring consistency, and compliance across all project documentation. This is an in-office position, and the incumbent is expected to report daily.
Position: Specification Writer
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of this position include but not are limited to the following:
• Develop, write and format technical specifications for mechanical, electrical, commissioning and related building systems.
• Develop Division 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 28 specifications in accordance with MCW Master Format and ensure specifications align with the project design intent and drawings.
• Writing and editing specifications for projects and coordinating compliance with project requirements, institutional guidelines, MCW standards, technical conditions, acceptable standards, and existing laws, contracts, regulations, and codes.
• Translating project design requirements into materials, methods, equipment, procedures, and installations necessary to provide the narrative descriptions.
• Develop, update, and maintain MCW’s Master Specifications and National Master Specification (NMS) to ensure that they meet industry best practices and lessons learned.
• Coordinate specification content with Architectural, Structural and Civil specifications to avoid conflicting requirements between sections.
• Working alongside other senior design professionals to prepare specifications for a variety of complex projects and building types that include education, healthcare, residential, commercial, industrial, and tenant improvement. Assist with quality control reviews and coordinate with project managers to meet submission deadlines.
• Implementing digital specification tools to streamline the production of project specifications.
• Developing tips and best practices that can be shared with project teams to improve specifications.
• Provide Tender and Procurement Support and assist the design team in preparing bid-ready documents. Clarify specification requirements during the tender period.
• Form relationships with equipment suppliers and keep up to date with market trends for equipment and technologies.
• Review drawings, schedules and consultant documents to ensure alignment and consistency of project information.
• Maintain and update master specification templates and libraries to align with industry standards and evolving technologies.
• Incorporate client standards, building codes and project requirements into all documents

Qualifications, Experience and Education:

• Post-secondary education in engineering technology, architecture, construction or a related field.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years of experience in specification writing, preferably within mechanical/electrical consulting or construction.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical building systems and related construction practices.
• Working knowledge of construction contract law, CCDC contracts
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry standards, such as NMS, and applicable building codes.
• Exceptional written communication skills and close attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Bluebeam, or spec-writing software considered an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly develop positive business relationships with management, coworkers, and external contacts.
• Ability to maintain composure and quality standards under deadline.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality relating to activities involving duties of this position.
• Displays flexibility in order to respond to various administrative requests.
• Ability to adhere to task-related procedures and standards and demonstrate flexibility in handling heavy workload.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A professional, enthusiastic attitude with a can-do attitude is a must!