Senior Contract Specification Writer

About the Role

The Port Authority of NY & NJ is a diverse and award-winning national leader in innovative planning, design, and construction of the most critical links of regional and national transportation infrastructure spanning New York and New Jersey. The Port Authority’s Engineering Department is seeking a Senior Contract Engineer. Reporting to the Chief Contracts Engineer or Principal Contract Engineer, the selected candidate will be responsible for preparing contract documents to solicit bids on capital construction projects and major work projects of a wide variety of cost and complexity.  The Contract Engineer is primarily responsible for coordinating with multiple stakeholders in producing and delivering the project manual (contract book) for a variety of project delivery methods, and ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with the Agency's QA/QC and project delivery guidelines.  This position will be located at 2 Mont, Jersey City, NJ.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and review preliminary and final construction contract documents during design stage to ensure work is clearly indicated and complete based on the design parameters.
• Produce customized and complete project manual (contract book) with applicable technical and administrative requirements and coordinated with contract drawings and other documents.
• Proactively resolve contractual and technical issues with Engineering staff and other Agency departments during the design and bidding periods.
• Manage a diverse workload and deliver work within established schedule milestones and budgets.
• Participate in and/or conduct meetings during various stages of the project, as necessary.
• Work alongside the Project Principal and Engineer of Project to serve as liaison to prepare proper answers to bidders' questions during the bid period, prepare and issue addenda, as needed, to correct or clarify contract documents.
• Provide guidance and direction to junior staff in contracting approaches, processes and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience relating to the development and review of engineering or architectural contract documents for construction of multidisciplinary capital projects with construction costs exceeding $10 million.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and reviewing the technical aspects of preliminary and final design contract drawings and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to meet schedules and budgets for project deliverables on concurrent assignments and to appropriately prioritize work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of construction contract terms and conditions clauses (sometimes referred to as the front end or general conditions of the contract) relating to payment methods, time for completion, solicitation and funding variables, staging requirements and operational constraints required for the production of project manuals (contract books). 
• Demonstrated knowledge of organization and principles of technical specifications and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) 3-part specification format.
• Strong interpersonal, written, oral and collaborative skills, including demonstrated experience interacting with project stakeholders to achieve project goals, ability to receive and implement oral and written directions and to give clear direction, and demonstrated technical writing skills.
• Applicants must provide a writing sample of contract provisions that they have independently prepared.
• Demonstrated problem solving, negotiation and conflict resolution skills to effectively reach sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite at a basic-intermediate proficiency, especially Office 365, Word and Excel.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with procurement practices for construction contracts.
• Professional Engineer's or Professional Architect's license issued by the State of New York or New Jersey.
• Certification(s) from The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) - CDT, CCCA or CCS.
• Demonstrated experience using Bluebeam Revu software for contract document commenting and collaboration. 

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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