Senior Specifications Specialist

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

In the role of Senior Specification Specialist for Canada, we'll count on you to:

• Provide Specifications Leadership:
• Contribute and drive specification goals.
• Become a go-to resource for the studio and larger Western Canada region
• Provide consistency in the delivery of our project specifications
• Provide feedback on regional needs to Specifications Team.
• Report up information about office and regional specification needs, issues, and activities.
• Elevate relevant information firmwide and to the Architectural Business Group (ABG) as needed.
• Communicate specification developments and updates to regional users.
• Support local Specification Writers and support staff in their region.
• Liaison for project engagement with software platforms for design, planning, analytics, sustainability, equipment, etc.
• Exhibit the utmost in professionalism, outstanding communication skills and the ability to work well with others in a fast-paced work environment
• Develop Specifications & Support Project Teams:
• Provide specification support for regional users (i.e. in-depth technical & product support, regional codes and standards, etc.).
• Recommend materials, procedures and technical specification requirements and contents.
• Reinforce established practices by action on large projects and mentoring other projects.
• Prepare specifications for technical projects through all phases and packages while ensuring compatibility with drawings and/or technical conditions
• Write technical specifications in compliance with project requirements, acceptable standards and existing laws, rules and regulations and codes.
• Assist with project contract language, proposals, project digital teams.
• Assist with quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Assist project leadership aligning user skillsets with project requirements.
• Demonstrate diligence, attention to detail and an overall positive attitude when meeting deadlines
• Build Knowledge and Foster Continuous Improvement:
• Discover, create, develop, and implement new products, systems, and components.
• Gather and promote actions for lessons learned and project experiences.
• Provide education to staff about best practices, products, and specifications.
• Train, mentor, and encourage staff in developing spec writing proficiency and convey the importance of the specifications in concert with the delivery models.
• Foster collegial sharing of information about specification initiatives and other beneficial activities.
• Contribute information and materials to SharePoint and Teams portal.
• Attend regular relevant trade shows and continue to research and stay up to date on latest materials and techniques

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Architecture
• Construction Specifications Canada: CSP, RSW preferred
• LEED accreditation preferred
• Collaborative and teaming skills
• Able to maintain a high profile in the team environment
• Accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of CSI/CSC principles and construction materials

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering or combination of education and relevant experience
• A minimum of 5 years experience working with specifications
• Knowledge in the ability to recommend materials, procedures, and technical specifications requirements and contents
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) The pay range for Vancouver, BC: $92,400 - $132,000

Primary Location: Canada-British Columbia-Vancouver

Other Locations: Canada-Alberta-Calgary

Industry: Architecture

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: EdSciSport ARC

Job Posting: Jun 29, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer ( We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.