What Does a Construction Scheduler Do?
A construction scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating project schedules to ensure that construction activities are completed on time and within scope. Working closely with project managers, engineers, and field supervisors, they sequence tasks, allocate resources, and identify potential delays before they become critical issues.
Using scheduling software like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, construction schedulers create detailed project timelines, monitor progress against milestones, and provide updates to leadership teams. Their expertise helps streamline workflows, improve communication between teams, and support timely decision-making across all phases of a construction project.
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Construction Scheduler Core Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain project schedules using tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to gather schedule inputs
- Identify task dependencies, durations, and sequencing to build a realistic timeline
- Monitor construction progress and update schedules based on field data and reports
- Flag delays and schedule variances, and recommend mitigation strategies
- Coordinate resource availability with procurement and staffing teams
- Generate and distribute schedule reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Assist in claims analysis and recovery planning when delays occur
- Ensure compliance with contractual scheduling requirements
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with scheduling software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, etc.)
- Understanding of Critical Path Method (CPM) and other scheduling techniques
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
- Experience with Earned Value Management and progress reporting
- Familiarity with construction workflows, permitting, and inspection timelines
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Clear communication with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Time management and the ability to prioritize shifting deadlines
- Collaboration across departments and disciplines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field
- Associate’s degree with relevant experience may also be considered
Certifications
- Primavera P6 Certification (when required by employer)
- Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) by AACE International is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in construction scheduling
- Experience working on multi-phase or large-scale construction projects
- Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for integrated planning
- Previous work with government, healthcare, or infrastructure projects
- Knowledge of lean construction principles or agile scheduling methods
National Average Salary
Construction scheduler salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Construction Scheduler is:
$69,832
Sample Job Description Templates for Construction Schedulers
Junior Construction Scheduler
Position Overview
The junior construction scheduler plays a foundational role in supporting the creation and maintenance of project timelines. Reporting to senior team members, this position involves organizing data, updating task statuses, and gaining hands-on experience with scheduling software and construction workflows.
Responsibilities
- Assist in building and updating construction project schedules under supervision
- Input task durations, dependencies, and milestones into scheduling tools
- Monitor progress reports and incorporate field updates
- Support schedule-related documentation and distribution
- Learn and apply scheduling logic and basic Critical Path Method (CPM) techniques
- Help track delays or resource changes that may affect the timeline
- Collaborate with project engineers and site coordinators for task verification
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of scheduling software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, etc.)
- Familiarity with construction documents and terminology
- Ability to read plans and understand project phases
- Excel or data entry proficiency
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and take direction
- Detail-oriented and methodical approach
- Clear communication with cross-functional teams
- Organizational skills and task follow-through
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field
- Internship or field experience is a plus
Certifications
- None required, though Primavera P6 training is beneficial
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in construction support or office-based coordination roles
- Exposure to project scheduling concepts or tools
Mid-Level Construction Scheduler
Position Overview
The mid-level construction scheduler leads the planning, development, and tracking of schedules for active construction projects. Working closely with project managers and field teams, they ensure timelines are feasible and progress is measured against established milestones.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using Primavera P6 or MS Project
- Work with PMs, superintendents, and subcontractors to establish and adjust timelines
- Perform time impact analysis to evaluate schedule delays and risk
- Monitor resource availability and task sequencing to avoid conflicts
- Generate reports and look-ahead schedules for internal and client review
- Maintain current documentation reflecting schedule changes and progress
- Ensure schedule alignment with contract requirements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong command of Primavera P6 and/or MS Project
- Knowledge of Critical Path Method (CPM) and scheduling best practices
- Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications
- Understanding of resource loading and earned value reporting
Soft skills
- Strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing field conditions
- Analytical thinking and scenario modeling
- Confident communicator with time-sensitive decision-making
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related discipline
- 3–5 years of construction scheduling experience
Certifications
- Primavera P6 Certification recommended
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience on vertical or civil construction projects
- Familiarity with lean construction or BIM-integrated schedules
Senior Construction Scheduler
Position Overview
The senior construction scheduler is a subject matter expert who manages complex project timelines, provides strategic insight to leadership, and drives schedule recovery plans when needed. This role is vital to keeping large-scale or multi-phase projects on track.
Responsibilities
- Create and oversee master project schedules across multiple construction sites
- Perform advanced schedule analysis, time impact studies, and delay claims evaluation
- Collaborate with executives, clients, and contractors to align project timelines with goals
- Mentor junior schedulers and ensure consistent scheduling standards
- Support project audits with accurate documentation and reporting
- Facilitate schedule risk assessments and propose mitigation plans
- Ensure contract compliance related to scheduled deliverables
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project
- Deep knowledge of CPM, earned value management, and delay analysis
- Proficiency in cost/schedule integration and forecasting
- Strong understanding of contract terms and time-related clauses
Soft skills
- High-level strategic thinking and judgment
- Excellent leadership and mentoring skills
- Executive communication and presentation skills
- Proactive conflict resolution and prioritization
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
- 7+ years of scheduling experience in the construction industry
Certifications
- Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) by AACE International
- Primavera P6 Certification
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing mega-project schedules (>$100M)
- Familiarity with forensic scheduling or legal dispute support
Lead Construction Scheduler
Position Overview
The lead construction scheduler oversees a team of schedulers and directs company-wide scheduling practices. This leadership role is responsible for setting standards, reviewing critical schedules, and advising executive stakeholders on project planning and execution.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and mentor a team of junior and senior schedulers
- Review and approve high-level project schedules across departments
- Develop standardized scheduling procedures and tools
- Advise senior leadership on planning risks and opportunities
- Interface with clients and legal teams on schedule-related matters
- Conduct enterprise-wide scheduling audits and improvements
- Align resource and manpower planning with company objectives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Leadership experience in construction scheduling teams
- Proficiency in Primavera P6 enterprise settings and schedule integration
- In-depth knowledge of claims mitigation and time-related risk modeling
- Ability to define and enforce scheduling standards across projects
Soft skills
- Influential leadership and decision-making
- Strong organizational and team-building skills
- High-level communication with executives and stakeholders
- Capacity for managing competing priorities in fast-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, project controls, or engineering
- 10+ years of scheduling experience, including team leadership
Certifications
- PSP Certification (required)
- Primavera P6 Expert Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in enterprise scheduling across multiple construction sectors
- Participation in industry working groups or process improvement initiatives
Remote/Hybrid Construction Scheduler
Position Overview
The remote/hybrid construction scheduler coordinates and updates construction schedules from a digital workspace, supporting teams across multiple job sites. This role relies on cloud-based tools and digital workflows to maintain communication and project momentum.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain schedules using cloud-based platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, P6 EPPM)
- Coordinate virtually with PMs, site supervisors, and stakeholders
- Update timelines based on field reports and digital progress logs
- Host remote meetings to align teams and resolve scheduling concerns
- Generate regular progress reports and forecasts for leadership
- Implement automated reminders and alerts for schedule milestones
- Ensure documentation accuracy and backup through secure digital tools
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with remote project management platforms
- Experience with P6, Smartsheet, Procore, or BIM-integrated tools
- Strong documentation and digital workflow skills
- Basic knowledge of construction methods and sequencing
Soft skills
- Independent time management and initiative
- Strong written and asynchronous communication
- Attention to detail in a virtual environment
- Flexibility in managing teams across time zones
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction, project controls, or related field
- 3+ years of experience with remote or hybrid project teams
Certifications
- Primavera P6 or equivalent certification
- PSP Certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience scheduling for multi-site or nationwide construction firms
- Comfort with asynchronous tools like Slack, Asana, or Microsoft Teams