Project scheduler

As a project scheduler, your job is to create and manage schedules that ensure successful project completion. This job role is essential to many different industries, such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

The job role of a project scheduler is to create and manage schedules for projects, across many different industries. This person will work closely with project managers, engineers, construction teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that all necessary tasks are accounted for in the project schedule. The primary focus of this job role is ensuring successful project completion, with milestones and tasks managed to ensure that the project is on track, within budget, and completed on time. The project scheduler will establish task dependencies and identify potential scheduling conflicts and delays, developing solutions to minimise their impact.

The role of a project scheduler can vary depending on the industry, but some common responsibilities include:

• Developing project schedules that include all tasks required for successful project completion
• Collaborating with other team members, including project managers and engineers
• Identifying potential scheduling conflicts or delays and developing solutions to minimise their impact
• Communicating project schedule changes to stakeholders and project team members in a timely manner
• Tracking project progress and adjusting schedules as necessary
• Ensuring that project milestones are met on time and within budget
• Providing detailed project schedule reports to project managers and other stakeholders

In construction, project schedulers work to ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget. They work closely with project managers, construction teams, and other stakeholders to develop schedules that account for all necessary tasks, including building permits, material delivery, and construction milestones. They are responsible for identifying potential scheduling conflicts and delays and developing solutions to keep the project on schedule.

Project schedulers typically have a degree in engineering, project management, construction management, or a related field. In addition to education, gaining relevant experience is highly valued in the field. Many employers prioritise candidates with practical and applicable experience over those solely with academic qualifications. This includes having comprehensive experience in management, construction, and schedule planning. Some employers may require a minimum of two years of experience as a project scheduler in a related industry.

In addition to a strong understanding of project management principles, project schedulers should have excellent communication and collaboration skills. They should be able to effectively communicate project schedules and changes to stakeholders and project team members. Other key skills of a project scheduler include:

• Communication skills
• Organisational skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Familiarity with project scheduling tools
• Analytical skills
• Extensive experience in schedule planning and management
• In-depth knowledge of the scope of projects within the industry
• Ability to keep stakeholders informed of project timelines and changes