Hello Kerry,

I don't see any compelling reason why you can't use Project as you mention. I'm guessing the staff you need to track are not currently assigned to any tasks in the individual project files? You are creating those project files to track the actual construction tasks?

The downside is you now have to maintain two items for each project -- but if you don't want to add the "project management" tasks to each construction project, your idea sounds fine.

I don't think you'd need to spend time searching for a template -- if you just need to track staff allocation - set up one task for each project and then assign the 3 resources -- lead, lead backup, and assistant to the long task. Estimate how many hours per week and then assign the resources at the appropriate assignment units. Alternatively, initially create the tasks as fixed duration, non-effort driven -- enter the work estimate for each resource across the duration and let Project calculate the assignment units.

I hope this helps.

Julie