Northern Trust

Specifications Writer

Northern Trust • $85K — $100K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Management, or related field
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in developing architectural specifications for commercial and institutional projects
  • Strong understanding of national and local building codes and standards, particularly IBC and California regulations
  • Familiarity with emerging technologies for integrated practice and documentation
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Proven problem-solving abilities in interpreting project objectives and creating compliant specifications
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

  • Partner with Project Managers and Architects to coordinate specifications and manage team workload
  • Develop and maintain architectural specifications for complex institutional projects
  • Provide guidance on material selection, application, and sustainability
  • Review consultant specifications for adherence to project standards
  • Enhance master specifications with updated codes and industry best practices
  • Support construction administration through various technical document preparations
  • Act as a technical resource and mentor for design teams

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and project diversity
  • Contribute to innovative and impactful institutional projects
  • Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team environment
  • Engage in high standards of technical excellence and documentation
  • Potential for occasional travel to project sites
Full Job Description
Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Specifications Writer to join a multi-disciplinary team in a full-time, in-house capacity. This role is integral to supporting complex institutional projects by developing and managing comprehensive architectural specifications that ensure quality, consistency, and technical accuracy across all project documentation. The successful candidate will contribute to projects of varying scale and complexity while maintaining the firm's high standards for technical excellence and documentation quality.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Team Collaboration: Partner closely with Project Managers and Project Architects to coordinate specification deliverables and effectively distribute workload across project teams
  • Project Specifications Development: Create, organize, and maintain detailed architectural specifications for complex institutional projects across healthcare, science and technology, higher education, and K-12 sectors, ensuring full compliance with project schedules, firm standards, and applicable codes
  • Technical Expertise: Provide authoritative guidance on building material and system selection, application, and sustainability considerations
  • Quality Assurance: Review and coordinate consultant specifications to ensure adherence to formatting standards, project manuals, and owner requirements
  • Standards Management: Continuously maintain and enhance firm master specifications by incorporating current codes, industry best practices, and emerging building technologies specific to institutional design
  • Construction Support: Assist with construction administration activities including addenda preparation, RFI responses, substitution request reviews, and product submittal evaluations
  • Knowledge Leadership: Serve as the primary technical resource and mentor to design teams, promoting excellence in specification development practices
  • Travel: Position may require occasional travel


Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Management, or related field
  • Experience: Minimum 7 years of dedicated experience developing architectural specifications for complex commercial and institutional projects within the AEC industry
  • Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of national and local building codes and reference standards, with demonstrated expertise in the International Building Code (IBC) and regulatory requirements specific to California jurisdictions
  • Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with emerging technologies that support integrated practice, coordination, and efficient documentation processes
  • Communication Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities with proven capacity to articulate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams
  • Analytical Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret project objectives and translate them into well-organized, code-compliant, and technically precise specifications
  • Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous project experience in Higher Education, Science & Technology, Healthcare, or other Institutional sectors
  • Professional certifications: CCS (Certified Construction Specifier), CDT (Construction Documents Technologist), LEED accreditation


Please Note: Delays may be experienced if uploading portfolio pdf. Do not exit out of the page during upload. We look forward to receiving your application!

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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