Demo

Specifications Writer

Ghafari Associates
Grand Rapids, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 11/16/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/15/2025
Job Description

General Summary:

The Specifications Writer, with general direction from the Manager-Specifications, coordinates the preparation of specifications (establishing material requirements and describing installation) for all disciplines; Establishes and maintains office standard specifications.

Essential Job Functions

  • Work with project managers, architects and engineers to prepare specifications for schematic, design development and construction documents.
  • Educate less experienced staff throughout the course of the project on specification writing principles.
  • Seek out additional opportunities to learn about products and technologies and disseminate information to team members. Update Ghafari master specifications as required.
  • Coordinate and expedite specification preparation among the disciplines; coordinate word processing support to produce final specification documents to meet project schedules.
  • Conduct technical investigation of products, materials and construction methods to edit project specifications.
  • Review selected submittals for conformance with contract documents, as requested by architects.
  • Ensure compliance with related codes and regulations imposed by governing authorities in collaboration with project architects and engineers.
  • Prepare written portion of addenda and bulletins relating to specifications.
  • Gather on-site data pertinent to the preparation of specifications.
  • Prepare contract conditions, general and bidding requirements as required.
  • Revise, maintain, and establish new standard specifications required for a given custom assignment.
  • Establish and update procedures related to the maintenance of job files.
  • Efficiently use client master specification editing software.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Education

Employment Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management
  • Registered Architect preferred
  • Active and participating CSI membership preferred.
  • CDT, CCCA, and/or CCS accreditation preferred

Experience

  • Five or more years’ experience writing specification documents in architectural/engineering industry

Skills/Competencies

  • Proficiency in Master Spec, Master Works, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • BIM 360/ACC, Bluebeam, Spec Link Cloud, Visispecs and SpecsIntact proficiency preferred.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Physical Requirements

  • This position requires the ability to perform the essential job functions contained in this job description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:
    • Ability to spend most of a workday sitting or standing while working on computer at worksite
    • Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.

    It is Ghafari Associates, LLC’s policy not to discriminate in its employment and personnel practices because of a person’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, weight, height, marital, pregnancy or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, status as a qualified individual with a disability or a protected veteran, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance.

    Since 1982, Ghafari Associates has taken a personal approach to highly technical projects in complex markets including: aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, hospitality, K-12 and higher education. As a global team of engineers, architects, process designers, and consultants we blend insight with technological innovation helping clients elevate their efficiency, sustainability, and impact.

    Continuously rated a Top Workplace to Work, Crain’s Cool Place to Work, and a Best and Brightest company to work for in the US, Ghafari has made a name for itself through our culture, employee benefits, and portfolio of projects.

    Over a quarter of Ghafari employees have diverse identities that are championed by our growing approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Ghafari supports hybrid and in-office work environments.

    Through career mapping, Ghafari employees are encouraged to seek licensure, coached for knowledge growth, and provided opportunities for management and mentorship roles if interested. Our robust internship program recognizes undergraduate and graduate students from across the world, having an over 90% success rate of hiring our interns after graduation.

    Join our team and work on forward-thinking projects all around the world. Ghafari’s global reach creates an environment where individuals can build professional relationships while building sustainable and cutting-edge facilities. Are you ready to take that leap? Apply Now!

    Ghafari Associates, LLC Is An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer And Is Committed To Providing Reasonable Accommodations To Individuals With Disabilities In The Employment Application Process. If You Need An Accommodation Due To a Disability In Order To Use Our Online System To Apply For a Position At Ghafari Associates, LLC, You May Apply For Positions In The Following Ways

    Connect to our job portal (https://ghafari.jobs)

    By fax at 313.436.8624; Attn: Human Resources

    By mail at 17101 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126; Attn: Human Resources

    In person at 17101 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.

    By email at hr@ghafari.com

    If there are any questions or additional accommodations that are required, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.

    It is Ghafari Associates, LLC’s policy not to discriminate in its employment and personnel practices because of a person’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, weight, height, marital, pregnancy or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, status as a qualified individual with a disability or a protected veteran, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance.

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