Project Controls Scheduler (00617) in Chicago, Illinois at PMA Consultants

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.