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Specifiers / Specification Writers

Submit qualifications to jobs@bsdsoftlink.com.

BSD is seeking experienced specifiers who can also act as consultants to building product manufacturers on appropriate specifications content.

Candidates must have 5-10 years of actual experience in preparing project specifications. Experience with Microsoft Office is important, and experience with BSD SpecLink is highly desirable. Architecture or engineering degree and license are highly desirable but not essential if experience level is suitable. Meticulous attention to detail and excellent spelling and grammatical skills are essential. Resume errors will disqualify candidates.

For complete information about BSD SpecLink, go to www.bsdsoftlink.com. Candidates not familiar with SpecLink should download, install, and examine this software/data service.

This position is not conventional specification writing as practiced in most A/E offices, but instead is more like maintaining an office master specification for use by others. From the point of view of SpecLink users, the SpecLink master specification is a "super" master -- they rely on its accuracy and up-to-dateness and develop their project specifications from it. Some firms develop their own office masters overlaying the SpecLink master. In addition, since SpecLink is not based on word processing, updating the SpecLink master database requires an understanding of how the SpecLink software operates, so our updates do not adversely affect the users' work. Updating of the SpecLink master is continuous, but new data is issued to users at quarterly intervals. The quarterly publication schedule is similar to repetitive project deadlines with one exception -- SpecLink updates are expected not to require addenda.

Candidates should have demonstrated experience in technical research and specification writing for design-bid-build projects for commercial buildings. Broader project experience would be desirable but is not essential. Intelligence, attention to detail, a flexible attitude, and a willingness to learn are more important than exceptionally broad technical expertise.

Candidates should have a thorough understanding of:

  • The contractual relationships in construction documents for design-bid-build, design-build, and early design documents.
  • The roles of the principal participants in the design and construction process, including code authorities, lead and consulting design entities, owner, prime contractor, and subcontractors.
  • The pros and cons of different methods of specifying products.
  • Bidding techniques and construction contract administration activities.
  • CSI recommended principles of specification writing, UniFormat, MasterFormat®, SectionFormat™, and PageFormat™.