Project Controls Scheduler (00617)

PMA Consultants Careers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 84,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

PMA is seeking a Project Controls Scheduler in Chicago to develop and maintain detailed project schedules for mid-sized projects. You will work with project managers, engineers, and field teams to ensure schedule integrity and timely updates.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of scheduling experience, proficiency in Primavera P6, and solid CPM theory knowledge. You will produce status reports, baselines, and what-if analyses to support decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
• 2+ years of scheduling or project controls experience.
• Proficient in Oracle Primavera P6 and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of CPM theory and schedule development fundamentals.
• Familiarity with project lifecycle phases and construction methodologies.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a larger team effort.
• Experience with schedule analysis, reporting, and stakeholder collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain schedules in Primavera P6 with minimal supervision.
• Interpret contract documents and apply scheduling obligations and specifications to deliverables.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity in schedule logic, activity sequencing, durations, and constraints.
• Contribute to the development of resource-loaded or cost-loaded schedules when required.
• Support the development of work breakdown structures (WBS) and activity coding frameworks.
• Gather and input activity updates from project team members and field personnel.
• Identify and track critical path, near-critical path, and schedule deviations.
• Prepare schedule status reports, executive summaries, dashboards, and narratives for both internal and client audiences.
• Format and analyze schedule data for monthly reporting, forecasting, and stakeholder presentations.
• Monitor and report on progress against baselines and key project milestones.
• Prepare and maintain project baselines, updates, and schedule revisions.
• Assist in conducting what-if scenarios and delay/time impact analyses (TIA).
• Support the identification and documentation of scheduling risks, changes, and mitigation strategies.
• Observe trends, analyze float paths, and highlight potential issues affecting project delivery.
• Perform basic earned value tracking and schedule-driven cost/time forecasting.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, and discipline leads to gather status and validate schedule inputs.
• Attend internal and client project meetings to provide schedule updates and capture planning changes.
• Continue developing knowledge of CPM/GPM theory, PMA scheduling standards, and best practices.
• Apply feedback from senior schedulers to improve modeling accuracy and reporting clarity.
• Learn and begin to apply earned value management (EVM) principles in schedule assessments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

CPM theory

Schedule analysis

Communication

Independent work

Stakeholder collaboration

Project lifecycle familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Project Controls Scheduler plays a key role in supporting the successful planning and execution of projects by developing and maintaining detailed project schedules. This junior-level position is responsible for independently managing schedules for mid-sized projects, performing basic schedule analysis, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure schedule integrity and performance. The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of CPM/GPM scheduling theory, be proficient in Primavera P6, and demonstrate the ability to communicate schedule insights effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain summary- and detailed-level schedules in Primavera P6 with minimal supervision.
• Interpret contract documents and apply scheduling obligations and specifications to deliverables.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity in schedule logic, activity sequencing, durations, and constraints.
• Contribute to the development of resource-loaded or cost-loaded schedules when required.
• Support the development of work breakdown structures (WBS) and activity coding frameworks.
• Gather and input activity updates from project team members and field personnel.
• Identify and track critical path, near-critical path, and schedule deviations.
• Prepare schedule status reports, executive summaries, dashboards, and narratives for both internal and client audiences.
• Format and analyze schedule data for monthly reporting, forecasting, and stakeholder presentations.
• Monitor and report on progress against baselines and key project milestones.
• Prepare and maintain project baselines, updates, and schedule revisions.
• Assist in conducting what-if scenarios and delay/time impact analyses (TIA).
• Support the identification and documentation of scheduling risks, changes, and mitigation strategies.
• Observe trends, analyze float paths, and highlight potential issues affecting project delivery.
• Perform basic earned value tracking and schedule-driven cost/time forecasting.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, and discipline leads to gather status and validate schedule inputs.
• Attend internal and client project meetings to provide schedule updates and capture planning changes.
• Continue developing knowledge of CPM/GPM theory, PMA scheduling standards, and best practices.
• Apply feedback from senior schedulers to improve modeling accuracy and reporting clarity.
• Learn and begin to apply earned value management (EVM) principles in schedule assessments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• 2+ years of scheduling or project controls experience.
• Proficient in Oracle Primavera P6 and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of CPM theory and schedule development fundamentals.
• Familiarity with project lifecycle phases and construction methodologies.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a larger team effort.
• Experience with schedule analysis, reporting, and stakeholder collaboration.

$84,244 - $98,987 a year

The salary range for this position is $84,244 to $98,987.

A hired employee will be placed within this salary range based on a variety of legitimate business reasons, including but not limited to the individual’s scope of relevant experience and geographic location.

Additional Requirements

Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.

Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.

About PMA

At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.

We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.

We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.

As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.”

PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

VEVRAA federal contractor.