Free Position Description (Scheduler or Planner) Template
Download our free Position Description (Scheduler or Planner) template (DOCX & PDF). Define key responsibilities, qualifications, and WHS duties.
Free Position Description (Scheduler or Planner) Template
DOCX • 135 KB + PDF
Updated Oct 2026
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Purpose of the Free Position Description (Scheduler or Planner) Template
Defining the roles and responsibilities of key personnel is fundamental to a safe and efficient workplace. This free Position Description (Scheduler or Planner) template provides a structured starting point for outlining the duties, qualifications, and critical WHS accountabilities for your planning and scheduling staff.
A well-defined Position Description ensures that candidates and employees clearly understand their role in preventing incidents by managing project timelines, allocating resources effectively, and integrating safety considerations into every phase of planning.
A detailed Position Description for a Scheduler or Planner is a core component of effective WHS management systems. It clarifies how the role contributes to the organisation's overall safety performance and demonstrates a commitment to proactive risk management. Clear role definition is also a key requirement for organisations seeking certification against international standards; expert ISO 45001 consulting often focuses on ensuring such roles and responsibilities are formally documented and understood.
How to use the Free Position Description (Scheduler or Planner) Template
This resource is available for download in both DOCX and PDF formats. The DOCX version is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the content to the specific needs of your organisation, industry, and the particular projects the role will manage.
It's designed as a comprehensive foundation, aligned with Australian WHS practice, covering key result areas, qualifications, experience, and specific safety responsibilities.
Important: This is a template only. We have provided a structured starting point, but you must customise this document to reflect the unique hazards, risks, and operational requirements of your business.
It is not a substitute for professional advice. For assistance tailoring this document to your specific needs, consider engaging professional WHS consulting services.
When to use it
A Position Description for a Scheduler or Planner should be used in several key situations. The most common is during the recruitment process when advertising for a new hire.
It can also be used when promoting an internal candidate into the role or when conducting performance reviews to set clear expectations and measure performance. Furthermore, it's good practice to review and update Position Descriptions periodically, especially after significant organisational changes or as part of a continuous improvement cycle following a formal WHS compliance auditing process, which may identify gaps in role responsibilities.
Who should use it
This template is designed for use by a range of personnel within an organisation. Primarily, it will be used by Human Resources (HR) managers, recruitment specialists, and hiring managers responsible for the recruitment and onboarding process.
Operations Managers, Project Managers, and WHS Managers should also be involved in reviewing and customising the document to ensure the technical and safety-related duties accurately reflect the operational environment and legal obligations. This collaborative approach ensures the Position Description is both functional and robust.
Explore our free WHS resources library for more templates to support your management system.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the template without customising it for the specific workplace and project types.
- Making the WHS duties too generic and not linking them to specific planning tasks or organisational goals.
- Failing to review and update the position description as the role, projects, or organisation evolves.
- Not involving a WHS professional or the direct manager in the final review to ensure technical and safety accuracy.
Legal references
Legal considerations
The following legal requirements may be relevant to this type of work.
- Work Health and Safety Act (Harmonised) — Provides the primary duties for protecting workers and other people from work health and safety risks.
- Work Health and Safety Regulations (Harmonised) — Sets out requirements supporting the management of workplace hazards and risks.
The following codes may be relevant to this type of work.
- Managing WHS Risks Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying effective controls.
- Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on consulting workers and coordinating with other duty holders.
- Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on safe work environments, workplace facilities and related controls.
Did you know
Planning and Safety
Poor project planning and scheduling are significant contributing factors in many workplace incidents. These issues can lead to rushed work, fatigue, communication breakdowns, and inadequate resource allocation, all of which increase risk.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
01What is the role of a Scheduler or Planner in WHS?
02Why are WHS duties important in a Scheduler's Position Description?
03Can I use this template for a Project Planner role?
04Is this Position Description template suitable for all industries?
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Free Position Description (Scheduler or Planner) Template
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How To Use It
- 1Download and open in Word or PDF.
- 2Replace the placeholders with your business details.
- 3Get it reviewed by a WHS specialist before rollout.
Need it customised?
Our WHS consultants can adapt this template to your site, run a gap analysis, or audit what you already have in place.
Book a Free Consultation WHS consulting servicesor call 1300 156 382
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