Technical Writer

At Baird, Hampton & Brown, our mission is building partners through creative, sustainable engineering solutions, and honest, long-term relationships. With over 30 years in the business, we understand that a solid foundation is necessary in every aspect of what we do. We support our team members in pursuing excellence in their fields and balancing their lives. We serve our clients with integrity, communication, and involvement at every stage. As a team member, you can trust BHB to champion our core values, which leads to healthy, mutually beneficial relationships as well as services of the highest caliber.We are currently seeking a detail-oriented, motivated mid-level Technical Writer who will serve as the primary owner of project specifications across multiple prime and subcontractor projects in the AEC environment. This role will manage the end-to-end specification process: setting up new projects in SpecLink Cloud, coordinating with architects, owners, and consulting engineers, editing and assembling specification documents, maintaining master templates, tracking version-control, and driving continuous improvement of our specification workflows. The ideal candidate is familiar with the AEC industry (mechanical, electrical, civil, structural disciplines), comfortable editing and refining specification language, and capable of working independently while collaborating closely with internal team members and external project stakeholders.In this role you can expect to perform the following tasks. This is not an exhaustive list:Establish new projects in SpecLink Cloud: create project files, apply BHB master templates and standards, configure choice-lists and permission settings for team collaborationReceive mark-ups, edits, and comments from internal subject-matter experts (engineers, designers, EITs) and external consultants; incorporate changes, review for consistency, clarity, compliance and alignment with project basis of design and BHB standardsManage the specification document throughout the design / bid / construction phases: ensure coordination between drawings and specification sections, update revisions, maintain version history, monitor for omissions/duplicationsCollaborate with internal team to refine scope, verify that specifications accurately reflect performance criteria, contract requirements, and project deliverablesMonitor and enforce internal process milestones (e.g., spec draft issued to the team, internal review complete, client/architect review comments incorporated, issue for bid, update addenda, final construction spec issued)Maintain and refine the BHB specification master library within SpecLink: adjust choice fields, update boilerplate language, implement firm-wide improvements, streamline workflows, and document specification procedures and guidelinesTrack your time accurately and report progress against project tasks; operate with minimal supervision, anticipate next steps, proactively identify bottlenecks or improvement opportunitiesServe as a liaison with internal team members (mechanical/ electrical/structural/civil disciplines, Survey, Landscape Architecture, Environmental) to understand their system scopes and ensure the specification language aligns with technical documentationStay current with relevant industry standards, codes (e.g., IECC, IMC, IBC, NFPA, ADA) and best practices in specification writing; recommend updates to the master spec library accordinglyWe require: 3–5 years (or more) of specification writing, editing or technical documentation experience in the architecture / engineering / construction (AEC) industry. Experience working with or managing construction contract specifications (division formats, MasterFormat organization, mainstream mechanical, electrical, structural and civil trades)Demonstrated ability to edit and proofread technical specification language for clarity, consistency, tone, discipline coordination and code/standard complianceFamiliarity with the SpecLink Cloud platform (or equivalent specification-software platform) — including setting up projects, managing master templates/choice fields, editing via inclusion-based workflows, tracking changes and version control. For example: SpecLink Cloud is a cloud-based centralized specification software that uses smart linking technology, version-control and collaborative workflows to reduce errors and improve productivity. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, track time, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced AEC environmentStrong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of working with engineers, designers, architects and owners; able to ask the right questions and clarify vague scopes or mark-upsStrong work-ethic and self-motivation: ability to anticipate next steps without constant supervision, identify process improvements, and drive change initiativesExcellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement of the specification processIt helps to have:Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related fieldPrior experience specifically with SpecLink Cloud (versus only word-processor specs) and with setting up firm-wide master spec librariesFamiliarity with BIM coordination or specification-to-BIM integration workflows. For example: SpecLink provides BIM integration, a master database of content, intelligent linking of sections to reduce omissions and rework. Experience drafting or reviewing specifications for multiple-prime project delivery models (owner/architect/consultants/sub-consultants) and coordinating spec scopes across disciplinesProcess improvement mindset: experience implementing standard templates, checklists and workflows to streamline specification production, reduce review cycles, and improve quality controlPhysical DemandsThis position is primarily sedentary with long periods of sitting, but occasional walking and lifting up to 25lbs may occur. Occasionally bending, squatting, and reaching overhead may also occur. Additionally, extensive computer usage is required daily.Position Type and ScheduleThis is a part-time, nonexempt position, with coordinated flexible scheduling options. This role requires accurate logging of hours (in accordance with BHB’s time-tracking policy) and the ability to adjust hours or schedules based on project needs and deadlines. The role may scale up (more hours or potential full-time) as BHB’s project workload grows.BenefitsWe believe that taking care of our employees and their families is vital to our success. For several years, BHB has been awarded the titles of "Best Place for Working Parents" and Zweig’s "Best Firms to Work For."BHB sponsors employee medical, dental, vision, short-term & long-term disability, and basic life insurance, as well as subsidizing a significant family portion. BHB also offers voluntary life and disability insurances, paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, a PTO bank immediately available, & 401(k) matching.We believe in lifelong learning: providing many internal & external training opportunities including formal & informal mentorship programs. We sponsor multiple professional & industry memberships, licensure, and leadership opportunities. More details regarding benefits will be provided during the interview process.Equal Employment OpportunityBaird, Hampton & Brown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy & childbirth conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression, or status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.Powered by JazzHReihme6IH4r