Education Requirements

According to Biohealthmatics, a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering or a production-related field is required for a position as a planner scheduler. Previous work experience or an apprenticeship in a production facility and a background in mechanical or electrical engineering are useful, as is knowledge of multiple workstations on a production line. Planner schedulers also must be able to work with databases, prepare reports and communicate with other employees, staff and customers regarding potential problems and schedule or production changes.

Additional Qualifications

Because the planner schedule is responsible for organizing operations over the entire production cycle, good people, organizational and communication skills are essential. Planner must be self-disciplined and self-motivated and have the ability to comprehend the extensive production operations and schedules.

Job Duties

Production planner schedulers determine and execute work schedules, diagnose problems and ensure quality control, preventative maintenance and compliance with safety procedures and regulations. Planner schedulers consider each stage of the production process to increase efficiency and productivity. Production planner schedulers are responsible for the smooth and seamless operation of the production, packaging and distribution departments within a company.

Advancement

Planner schedulers receive consideration for management positions because of their understanding of every part of the production line. Planner schedulers frequently develop plans for increasing the productivity of production lines and implement improvements geared toward reducing accidents and downtime.

Working Environment

Planner schedulers work in a variety of warehousing, manufacturing and production environments. Planner schedulers work in offices and on production floors around machinery and noise.

Employment Outlook

Biohealthmatics reports there will be an increased demand for qualified and experienced production planner schedulers because biotech production facilities are increasingly moving toward 24-hour operation and production schedules. Other manufacturing and production-oriented industries need qualified planners to keep their production lines flowing efficiently. Production operations cannot function effectively with backlogs or stoppage anywhere on the line, so the role of the planner scheduler is essential to maintaining a profitable operation.

Earnings

According to Payscale, the basis salary range for production schedulers as of May 2010 was $41,007 to $61, 983. Bonuses range from $814.00 to $4,028 with additional income potential from profit sharing and commissions. Some of the leading employers include such companies as Northrop Grumman Corporation, Boeing and Lockheed Martin Corp. Additional data from Payscale states that the majority of employees who work as planner schedulers are women.