Specification Writer 2 - Civil Engineering (EI)

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

About the role

The Specification Writer 2 is responsible for creating and maintaining technical documents that outline the requirements and standards for a variety of civil and environmental projects. The specification writer works in close collaboration with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that all specifications are clear, accurate, and aligned with both client and company expectations.

This position will work under the guidance of a licensed professional engineer. A successful employee is expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Ensure specifications are compliant with client standards
• Revise existing specifications to meet current project needs
• Interpret technical drawings to incorporate relevant details
• Perform quality control within DOWL’s quality program and the project contract
• Facilitate meetings with engineers, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders
• Create and manage client-specific templates
• Calculate construction quantities
• Estimate construction costs
• Prepare project correspondence
• Perform basic technical tasks with market sector with limited oversight
• Perform quality control of basic deliverables
• Review, interpret, and employ appropriate design guidance from technical memos and reports
• Understand how specifications influence construction methods, bid items, quantities, and cost estimates
• Produce technical reports and memos, specifications, construction quantity calculations and cost estimates, design documents, and construction plans under limited direction/oversight
• Moderate understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets; with guidance, predict the level of effort for individual tasks and successfully deliver tasks within that level of effort
• Monitor results on moderately complex projects
• Respond to emails, attend meetings, and answer questions/comments with limited autonomy
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required
• 2 years of experience required (1 year with advanced degree)
• EIT/EI required
• Valid driver’s license required
• Developing proficiency with editing special provisions for at least one Pacific Northwest DOT
• Ability to quickly learn DOWL’s other client specification requirements
• Previous experience in specification writing, technical writing, or a related field
• Solid understanding of technical fundamentals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other documentation tools
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
• Eager to learn and expand skill set, advanced understanding of technical writing skills
• Moderate understanding of AASHTO and FHWA design codes
• Moderate understanding of local client design codes

Skills

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) – Developing
• AutoCAD C3D – Developing
• Microstation Connect and OpenRoads – Developing (if applicable)
• Task-specific software (e.g., AutoTurn, GuideSign) – Basic

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Team player who follows the direction of others
• Asks good questions and retains information provided
• Shares information with those less experienced

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus
• Required to talk and hear

Work Environment

• Moderate noise level