Specification Writer - Civil Engineering; EI

Specification Writer 2 - Civil Engineering (EI)

Job Category:
Engineering

Supervisor:
Matthew Phillips

Requisition Number: SPECI
003054

Posted:
March 24, 2026
Full-Time

Portland, OR
309 SW 6th Ave
Suite 700
Portland, OR 97204, USA

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.

Join our dynamic team of transportation planners and designers dedicated to creating innovative, practical solutions that improve safety, connectivity, and accessibility. Collaborating closely with our traffic engineers, you'll help develop and implement roadway improvements that solve immediate traffic challenges while supporting long‑term community goals.

The Specification Writer 2 creates and maintains 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. Duties include ensuring specifications are compliant with client standards, revising existing specifications to meet current project needs, interpreting technical drawings, performing quality control, facilitating meetings, creating and managing client‑specific templates, calculating construction quantities, estimating construction costs, and preparing project correspondence.

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Create and revise technical specifications and documentation.
• Interpret technical drawings and incorporate relevant details.
• Perform quality control and ensure compliance with client and company standards.
• Facilitate meetings with engineers, project managers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage client‑specific templates.
• Calculate construction quantities and prepare cost estimates.
• Prepare project correspondence and technical reports.
• Work collaboratively across cross‑functional teams.

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• AutoCAD C3D
• Micro Station Connect and Open Roads (if applicable)
• Auto Turn, Guide Sign (basic)

• Previous experience in specification writing or related technical writing.
• 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 documentation tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Basic technical tasks with limited oversight.
• Quality control of deliverables.
• Advanced understanding of technical writing skills and eagerness to learn.
• Apply design guidance from technical memos and reports.
• Understand how specifications influence construction methods, bid items, quantities, and cost estimates.

• Technical reports and memos
• Specifications
• Construction quantity calculations and cost estimates
• Design documents and construction plans
• Exhibits

Moderate understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. With guidance, predicts effort for tasks and delivers within level of effort. Monitors results on moderately complex projects.

• AASHTO and FHWA – moderate knowledge
• Local client codes – moderate knowledge

Limited direct interaction, generally in group settings. Responds to emails, attends meetings, and answers questions or comments with limited autonomy.

Other duties as assigned.

Performs moderately complex technical work under limited autonomy; work…