A scheduling coordinator works for an airline and is responsible for a variety of tasks related to the creation, modification, and maintenance of employee schedules. He or she keeps track of employee records, creates daily and weekly schedules, and makes changes as needed using computer spreadsheets and databases. A coordinator also serves as a liaison between employees and management when it comes to policy changes and requests for time off. A manager or general human resources worker who performs scheduling duties in another setting, such as a retail store or medical office, may be referred to as a scheduling coordinator.
It’s not always as simple as checking flight attendants’ and pilots’ availability, hours, and preferences to create a schedule for them. Many large airlines fly a variety of planes, and some employees may lack the necessary certifications or qualifications to work on each one. To ensure that planes are properly staffed, the scheduling coordinator must review workers’ credentials and contracts and compare them to regional and national laws.
If an airline employee, such as a flight attendant or a pilot, is unable to work, the scheduling coordinator must quickly revise plans to avoid delays and cancellations. In the event that another employee becomes ill or has a family emergency, he or she typically keeps an electronic list of available on-call and part-time workers to contact. If the coordinator notices a problem with staffing specific flights, he or she consults with employees and airline executives to find a solution.
Employer-specific requirements for becoming a scheduling coordinator vary, but most airlines prefer to hire people with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Finding entry-level jobs as a scheduling clerk or coordinator assistant requires experience in office settings and customer service positions. A person who wishes to work as a senior scheduling coordinator may need to continue their education in order to obtain a degree or certificate in air transport operations.
Outside of the airline industry, scheduling coordinators typically have similar responsibilities and qualifications. A dental clinic coordinator, for example, creates a work schedule for dentists, assistants, and administrative staff that meets the needs of their anticipated patient list. He or she can make and change appointments, adjust for vacations and sick days, and keep time and wage records. In most cases, practical office experience and a degree in human resources are required for employment.