UX Researcher (REMOTE)

UX Researcher Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a UX Researcher to support KITS and our government customer. The position is remote. This position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a Public Trust. The Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) is a unique regional partnership that is responsible for the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. CBPO partners include the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, New York, West Virginia and District of Columbia as well as other Federal Agencies and Universities. The US Environmental Protection Agency represents the Federal Government in an effort to protect the Chesapeake Bay and better coordinate water quality and restoration efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) Data Center is the focal point for supporting the development of critical decision support tools, the data sharing enterprise and supporting scientific computing across the partnership. Koniag Government Services (KGS), an Alaskan Native Corporation, that staffs EPA-CBPO Data Center at the Chesapeake Bay Program Office has an immediate need for a skilled UX Researcher who can provide systematic investigation of an important and widely used modeling platform known as the Chesapeake Assessment and Scenario Tool (CAST). The UX Researcher will interact with CAST users and better-understand their needs with the goal of adding context and insight into the UX design process of a prototype of a spatially explicit CAST interface. The UX Researcher will be asked to deliver creative UX solutions as well as associate data communication products for the "next generation" of the CAST application. This web-based modeling tool is a nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment load (pollutant) estimator tool that streamlines environmental planning and can be used to answer questions about the effect of different BMPs (Best Management Practices) on water quality. Users specify a geographical area, and then select best management practices (BMPs) to apply for that area. CAST builds the scenario and provides estimates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment load reductions. The cost of a scenario is also provided so that users may select the most cost-effective practices to reduce pollutant loads. It is planned that the CAST Application will undergo further development with added tools to include a spatially enabled visualization feature. These enhancements will provide spatially explicit estimates and data that will help CAST be understood, used and supported by partners and stakeholders with a wide range of technical knowledge. The UX Researcher will work closely with Water Quality Scientists, Software Developers, Stakeholders and also work along-side modelers to utilize various methodologies and techniques about usability testing and analytics to gather valuable data about CAST users and their behavior. A role for this UX Researcher will be to act as a bridge between the user and the Koniag/CBPO product team, serving to decipher user needs and preferences to inform UX Design decisions while maintaining functionality and improving accessibility. UX Researcher Duties at the CBPO:Collaborate with KGS software designers and CBPO stakeholders early in the CAST Next Generation process for research needs. Work closely with KGS software developers and CBPO stakeholders to identify research goals and priorities. Define research questions about CAST and choose optimal data collection methods for a spatially explicit CAST application. Craft research questions about CAST new functionality and select the appropriate methodologies to answer them. Work with the KGS Team to develop, plan and manage resources thoughtfully in order to develop the spatially explicit CAST application prototype by Spring 2027.Identify suitable CAST participants to ensure user feedback by collaboration with the KGS product team and stakeholders. Transform findings into actionable insights for the spatially explicit CAST application that will help guide new functionality decisions. Present and effectively communicate findings about spatially explicit CAST needs to designers, software developers, and CBPO stakeholders. Work with CBPO Web and Development Teams to inform and provide guidance for the development of wireframes and design mock-ups. Work with CBPO Web Team to develop improved information architecture and design options for CAST, as well as associated data communication products. Other Desirable UX Research skills for the CBPO:The ability to effectively convey ideas and research findings in an articulate manner. Understanding the perspectives of current CAST users and understanding their needs for a spatially explicit CAST design. Applying Design thinking principles for problem-solving and innovation that will apply to a spatially explicit CAST application. Asking the right questions in meaningful ways to uncover deeper insights and opportunities for innovation for Spatial CAST.Critical Thinking for problem solving by analyzing complex problems and developing creative solutions for the next generation of CAST.Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams such as the KGS development team, the CBPO web team, and other CBPO stakeholders.