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Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries

Hybrid
Our main administrative building is located in Glendale. There may be some travel to our other locations as needed. We have parks in Glendale, Hollywood Hills, Covina, Long Beach, Cypress, and Cathedral City.

Specification Writer

Full-time

Please apply directly on our website 

Forest Lawn has always attracted unique and exceptional individuals; those who aren’t satisfied with simply building a career, but want to go home at the end of the day knowing they’ve made a profound and positive difference in people’s lives. If this sounds like you, take a look at our job openings....We may have your next GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

The Architecture and Engineering department at Forest Lawn is searching for a Specifications Writer to lead the development, management and implementation of project-specific requirements and specifications to ensure consistent quality standards are documented and met across all construction projects. This person will serve as a key collaborator across Forest Lawn’s design disciplines and cross-functional teams to align specifications with project objectives and evolving organizational and regulatory standards.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING: Develop and maintain Forest Lawn’s master specifications, ensuring alignment with evolving industry standards and organizational goals. Ensure all specifications written are designed with the appropriate solutions for the specific functions of the project. Lead quality assurance/quality control oversight for drawings and specifications on all projects; provide strategic feedback to project teams to ensure accuracy, compliance and consistency. Manage multiple projects and deadlines – phases, milestone deliveries for various project delivery types. Act as the primary technical resource for architectural and engineering staff, providing guidance on materials, products, finishes, code compliance, and construction methods. Review architectural and engineering drawings, including but not limited to drawings provided by third party design engineers, to identify scope and content for specifications. Plan, organize and prepare construction specifications for the various phases/milestone deliverables of projects. Oversee project teams with the research, evaluation, and selection of building products, material applications, and methods of construction. Partners with sub-consultants/third-party design disciplines to incorporate their general / technical provisions, review and reconcile any inconsistency, and compile the information as part of the project specification. Partners with construction administration staff to review product submittals and make recommendations regarding compliance with specifications as needed. Partner with project managers with the preparation of General and Supplemental Conditions and bidding documents. Develop specifications based on individual project Scopes of Work, using independent judgment and best practices to select appropriate items. Prepare and review addenda and pre-bid documentation as needed. Ensure high quality and accuracy in each specification, confirming compatibility of specified products. Ensure specification requests and reviews are completed in a timely manner, ensuring compliance, clarity, conciseness, correctness, and completeness. Provide guidance and support to project teams on specification-related matters. Proactively partner with Project Teams to align specifications with design intent and project requirements. Develop comprehensive project manuals and specifications. Remain abreast of building codes, industry standards, technology advancements and construction processes. Oversee Forest Lawn’s specification library. Advise on and help maintain Forest Lawn’s physical sample library. Advise, research, and explore materials selections on behalf of Project Teams. Provide proactive guidance and regular recurring training to Project Teams on Specification Program and key updates.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid CA Driver’s License, including state required levels of active auto insurance, and the use of a reliable personal vehicle is required. Bachelor of Architecture or Bachelor of Science in Architecture or equivalent is required. 10+ of related professional experience, including experience building and leading Specification Program across an office of similar size and complexity. 5+ years of experience in preparing project manuals and specifications. Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, deliver and implement specification resources and workflows with minimal supervision. Extensive knowledge of construction materials, methods, and compliance requirements, with a focus on aligning specifications with organizational objectives. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make significant decisions regarding project specifications and outcomes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, and technical software such as MasterSpec and CAD/REVIT. Working knowledge of Revit and eSpecs preferred. Working knowledge of industry and sustainability practices. Working knowledge of MasterFormat Specifications format preferred. Experience and Knowledge working with Procore Preferred. Proficient in reading construction drawing, programs, criteria documents, details and specifications. Expertise in construction document preparation and quality assurance processes, with familiarity with CSI principles and AIA contract documents. Experience in construction document preparation, field observation, and current construction techniques. Knowledge of building materials and codes including material characteristics, performance and capability. Proficient in common building types, materials, products, systems, and technical detailing. Collaborative and professional work ethic with the ability to work both independently and with multidisciplinary teams. Strong organizational and word processing skills, reliable, dedicated to accuracy and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Excellent verbal and written communication and time management skills; exemplary organizational skills. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and produce quality results within deadlines. Advanced technical expertise in construction products, materials, and methods to evaluate and interpret architectural and engineering plans, developing specifications that address project needs required. Exceptional judgement and detail oriented. Familiarity with AIA contract documents and coordination required between varying contract types and specifications. Working knowledge of sustainable products and materials. Proactive, forward-thinking and strong specifications mindset. Extremely detail-oriented with the ability to produce accurate, succinct and complete work on time. This role requires advanced technical expertise in construction products, materials, and methods to evaluate and interpret architectural and engineering plans, developing specifications that address project needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
CSI Certified Construction Specifier and/or California Architect license preferred.

$94,000.00 - $120,000.00

BENEFITS:
Please see a summary of our benefits here: https://forestlawn.com/about-us/careers/benefits/

DRUG TESTING POLICY:
Prior to beginning employment, all job applicants who receive a job offer will be required to voluntarily submit to a drug screening test conducted by a laboratory designated by Forest Lawn. The drug screening method is a hair collection test that will detect the use of illegal drugs within the past 90 days. A positive drug test may result in the withdrawal of the job offer.

E-VERIFY STATEMENT:
Forest Lawn has registered to participate in the federal government's E-Verify program. With E-Verify we are able to confirm the employment authorization of all newly hired employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. With respect to new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with a new hire's completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification upon commencement of employment. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/e-verify-overview.

FAIR CHANCE INITIATIVE FOR HIRING ORDINANCE:
Forest Lawn will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.