Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.Pay Range:$59.19 - $72.85 Hourly
Department:Department of County Assets (DCA)
Job Type:Regular Represented
Exemption Status:United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):January 19, 2025
The Opportunity:OverviewDo you have a passion for both qualitative and quantitative research? A track record of advocating for the users that your research represents? Do you believe in democratizing your findings to build a culture of empathy for your users?Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community?We have the job for you!This work matters.Multnomah County IT is searching for a Limited-Duration Assignment
(LDA) UX Researcher. Limited Duration Assignments (LDA) are expected to last up to two (2) years, but may end sooner.
As a UX Researcher, you will collaborate with product managers, designers, analysts, and departmental customers to ensure that research insights inform key decisions. Your work will directly influence how we organize information, structure user flows, and design digital services that are clear and efficient for all people to navigate.By conducting a mix of qualitative and quantitative research, you will develop a deep understanding of user needs, pain points, and the specific challenges faced by individuals accessing our services online. You will be a user advocate, ensuring that with every interaction, our digital services are intuitive, usable and equitable.If you are passionate about public service, user-centered design, and have a track record of leading impactful research initiatives, this is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise to improve digital government services that impact thousands of lives. The aim is simple yet powerful: to create digital tools and services that help people thrive. This isn't just a job-it's a chance to contribute to something bigger.You will be part of a progressive team that values innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration - contributing to a county that provides welcoming digital spaces that empower individuals of all abilities to access and request services, conduct business, and stay informed about news and program information.
As a UX Researcher, your key responsibilities will include:- Leading and developing research strategies and plans that align with Multnomah County's goals for improving public facing digital services.
- Conducting user research including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, card sorting, tree testing, and evaluative research, ensuring findings are free from explicit or implicit bias.
- Recruiting, screening, and managing research participants, including diverse user groups such as people with disabilities, non-English speakers, and underserved communities, to ensure representative feedback.
- Synthesizing data from multiple sources to generate actionable insights that inform design and development decisions.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including UX designers, product managers, developers and county employees to ensure that research findings are thoughtfully translated into impactful, user-centric designs.
- Advocating for accessibility and inclusivity by using research and storytelling to build empathy and awareness, with a solid understanding of WCAG and Title II ADA web compliance
- Staying updated with trends in the county government space, conducting audits and/or research to identify gaps and opportunities, providing strategic recommendations.
- Building an information architecture that is easy to navigate and is structured to evolve with the growing needs of our community and our employees.
- Developing and maintaining a research repository, user personas and journey maps which help foster a user-centered culture.
- Making strategic recommendations based on research findings and key insights.
- Conducting user testing: Engage in purposeful user research and testing through methods like surveys, and usability and accessibility evaluations, ensuring every solution is shaped by real voices and meaningful insight.
You will be successful in this role if you:- Are creative and innovative: You actively seek opportunities to improve processes and foster a work environment of imagination and critical thinking.
- Adept with navigating change: You accept change as an inevitable part of work and adapt plans as needed. You demonstrate self-awareness and emotional self regulation and readily offer support and encouragement to others.
- A strong communicator: You are clear, timely and effective in sharing information.
- An equity promoter: You contribute to an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and leveraged to achieve the organization's goals.
- Are adaptable: You actively seek additional knowledge in order to understand and obtain relevant information, and improve outcomes.
- Are empathetic: You have a Think Yes attitude, actively seek feedback to understand customer needs, focus on collaboration, and respond promptly to requests.
Our Commitment to Safety, Trust and Belonging Multnomah County is committed to developing, nurturing and continually improving workforce equity by identifying and addressing the structural and policy barriers to equal employment opportunity faced by our employees and communities. County employees across the organization have stepped forward to develop a strategic plan and help create a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential. Learn more by reading our Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and exploring our Core Competencies for all County employees.
To Qualify:We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent practical experience AND
- At least five (5+) years of demonstrated UX research experience, with a strong focus on research strategy and planning.
- Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, survey design, card sorting, and tree testing.
- Strong understanding of information architecture and digital services design and its impact on user experience.
- Proven ability to synthesize and translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights.
- Project management experience, including managing research timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive user-centered decisions in a matrixed organization with cross-functional teams.
- Experience in a highly distributed environment with medium to large size projects.
- Candidates must be able to pass a criminal records check.
- The specific knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) listed below.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) for this role: - User-Centered Design (UCD) Principles:
- Advanced knowledge of UCD methodologies, industry standards & trends, usability principles, and accessibility guidelines (WCAG).
- Advanced experience mapping user journeys and developing user personas.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods:
- Advanced ability of a wide range of UX research methods including usability testing (remote and in-person), ethnographic studies, card sorting, heuristic evaluations, A/B testing, eye tracking, surveys, and user interviews.
- Data Analysis and Synthesis
- Advanced ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, identify patterns and insights, and synthesize findings into actionable recommendations.
- Advanced skill with UX research tools:
- Remote testing,
- Survey platforms,
- Prototyping tools,
- Accessibility testing tools, and
- Web analytics tools.
- Information Architecture (IA) and Interaction Design:
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of information architecture principles, interaction design patterns, and user flow diagrams to effectively evaluate user experience.
- User Interface Design, Accessibility, and Search Engine Optimization
- Working knowledge of user interface (UI) design principles and best practices for creating visually appealing and intuitive interfaces.
- Advanced knowledge of web accessibility standards and best practices.
- Working knowledge of Drupal CMS user interface and search engine optimization practices.
- Stakeholder and Project Management:
- Working knowledge of Zenhub for Github and Asana.
Preferred QualificationsYou do not need to have the following preferred qualifications to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.
- Familiarity with ethnographic research methods to understand behaviors, practices, contexts, and cultural influences in real-world settings.
- Service design experience, including mapping out complex systems, touchpoints, and interactions to improve the holistic user experience.
- Experience conducting heuristic evaluations to identify usability issues based on established principles and best practices.
- Ability to lead design thinking workshops that focus on solving user-centered problems, fostering collaboration across teams, and generating innovative solutions that address real user needs.
- Basic skills in wireframing and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, ProtoPie) to translate research findings into early design concepts.
- Accessibility certifications (CPACC, WAS, CPWA)
- Project management experience, PMP certification
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) certification
Transferable skillsYour transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.
Screening and Evaluation: The Application Packet:Our reviews are conducted exclusively by humans and without AI. Please ensure your packet includes relevant, easily understandable content that directly addresses the specific parts of the job description that align with your qualifications.
- REQUIRED A completed online application.
- REQUIRED A resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, and a brief summary of your responsibilities.
- REQUIRED A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set align with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.
Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview.
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:
- Initial review of minimum qualifications: We may do an additional preferred review and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified.
- Consideration of top candidates: We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position.
- Background check and reference checks: All finalists must pass a thorough criminal records check and reference check
Additional Information:This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions.
Routine Telework: This position is designated as routine telework, meaning you will be working remotely (from home); a hybrid schedule also is available. As with all routine telework positions, employees may be required to come into the office on occasion. The designation of Routine Telework may be subject to change at a future time.
All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. We are not able to sponsor H1-B visas.Type of Position: This is an hourly, AFSCME Local 88 union-represented position and is eligible for overtime.
Location: This position is located in the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. See above for information about teleworking.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. There is some flexibility with the start and end times.
Serving the Public, Even During DisastersEveryday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?Recruiter:Allison Conkling
Email:...@multco.us
Phone:+1 (503) #######Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
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