The City of Keene is now accepting applications for an Infrastructure Project Ombudsman in our Public Works Department! This contract position is considered part-time temporary employment and will be 20-25 hours per week with the possibility of evening hours.  The pay rate for this position is $28.00- $33.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Some benefits are offered.

Under the direction of the Public Works Director, this position will serve as the liaison between residents, property owners, business owners, City departments, and the construction team on Keene’s Downtown Infrastructure Project.  The Ombudsman will be focused on obtaining, documenting, and relaying public feedback and concerns to the City and the construction team and will ensure that feedback is addressed promptly.  This position will be an impartial advocate for the community and play a crucial role in maintaining positive communication and community relations, fostering collaboration, and supporting a smooth project experience.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate regular updates to the community through various channels (meetings, emails, social media) about construction progress and any anticipated traffic, parking or utility disruptions.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and feedback received from residents and business owners and provide timely and accurate information regarding project timelines, schedules and impacts.
• Conducts daily check-ins/visits to the project site and affected businesses to maintain familiarity with the project status and to offer assistance.
• Prepare weekly reports summarizing community feedback, corrective actions, and open items to be reviewed by the Public Works Director and other City leaders.
• Participate in monthly project update presentations to the City Council’s Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure (MSFI) Committee at regularly scheduled committee meetings.

• Highschool diploma or GED required and a Bachelor degree in communications, construction management, project management, or public relations is desired.
• Prior experience in customer service, public relations, and a community-facing role in construction or infrastructure projects is also desirable. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
• This position requires strong conflict resolution skills as well as the capability of resolving public concerns with both empathy and sound judgement.