Project Scheduler

NiSource • Joliet, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Project Scheduler provides scheduling services within the Project Controls organization for Major Projects. This role supports schedule development, maintenance, monitoring, and variance assessment using Primavera P6 and standard project management processes. The scheduler helps create and manage project milestone and summary schedules, updates activity progress, performs schedule variance analysis, and supports schedule change control throughout the project lifecycle. The position works closely with internal teams and external contractors to collect planning data, develop schedule logic and durations, and ensure high‑quality schedule submissions. The scheduler also contributes to continuous improvement of cost engineering, risk management, project controls standards, and project management systems.

The Project Scheduler builds on the foundational skills of the Associate Project Scheduler by taking ownership of larger, more complex scheduling responsibilities across major annual unit outages and capital construction/maintenance projects. This role leads schedule development, integration, analysis, and reporting efforts across multiple teams and contractors. The Scheduler provides expert guidance in Work Breakdown Structures, integrated network logic development, schedule conflict resolution, and progress evaluation to ensure project success. In addition to supporting project teams, the Scheduler is expected to lead cross‑functional coordination, uphold project controls best practices, and contribute to process standardization and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• High School Diploma
• 1–3 years of experience working in a technical field
• Understanding of project planning and scheduling guidelines, standards, processes, and job aids
• Develop initial proficiency with Primavera P6 and spreadsheets
• Ability to coordinate work, use cognitive and communication skills, apply decision-making, and manage stakeholders
• Ability to read and interpret schedules
• High school diploma (bachelor's degree preferred)
• 4–6 years of experience in a technical field (in project scheduling or related work preferred)
• Project Management experience utilizing project scheduling software Primavera P6
• Ability to manage multiple projects in parallel under tight deadlines
• Understanding of contractor roles on major construction/maintenance projects
• Ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings
• Strong technical communication skills for cross-disciplinary coordination
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and scheduling/tracking systems
• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel (up to 10%)
• Ability to work flexible schedules
• Comfort working with cross-functional departments (Accounting, Purchasing, Engineering, Maintenance, Planning)
• Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.
• Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project Work Breakdown Structures and organize work elements for scheduling.
• Conduct field walkdowns to validate schedule logic, resource plans, durations, and budgeted cost of work scheduled (PV/BCWS).
• Improve schedule quality and apply schedule performance metrics.
• Support project risk management and contract schedule reviews.
• Assess schedule variances, identify root causes, and implement schedule change control.
• Maintain schedule baselines, Basis of Schedule documentation, and contractor schedule validations.
• Provide regular and special schedule reports, analysis, and communication for project stakeholders.
• Support integration of people, processes, tools, and techniques across project controls.
• Assist in schedule management reviews with project managers and leadership.
• Build proficiency in P6 and project management systems for resource tracking and lifecycle cost analysis.
• Ensure alignment with NiSource Project Management Guidelines, industry standards, and best practices.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of fully integrated master project schedules for major outages and capital projects.
• Facilitate the coordination of schedule activities across project teams to ensure alignment, accuracy, and timely updates.
• Critique and validate schedule submissions from project managers and contractors, offering corrective guidance.
• Develop detailed Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and ensure they support effective work management, coordination, and cost tracking.
• Advise project team members on planning, execution, and closeout activities with a higher degree of authority and autonomy.
• Gather and verify progress inputs; analyze schedule performance and resource utilization; report on project status and emerging issues.
• Identify schedule conflicts, develop recovery plans or workarounds, and support timely decision-making.
• Drive consistent communication and coordination across project teams, construction managers, contractors, and leadership.
• Support team decision-making by presenting well-developed alternatives, schedule scenarios, and impacts.
• Lead issue resolution efforts and proactively address concerns as they arise.
• Promote professional conduct, teamwork, and safety leadership.
• Contribute to improvements in scheduling processes, procedures, tools, and overall project controls methodology.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, codes, safety requirements, and project management best practices.
• Investigate and evaluate new technologies, tools, and scheduling techniques to support ongoing optimization.
• Manage computer-based scheduling, resource, and cost systems, ensuring accurate analysis and reporting.
• Use scheduling and tracking software (e.g., P6, MS Office tools) to support project needs.

Benefits

• As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED