USGS Building Better Science Applications: User-Driven Front-End Design and Workflow Optimization

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is seeking applications for a front-end designer in Fort Collins, Colorado. The role involves collaborating with USGS scientists to modernize high-visibility science applications using UX research and front-end development skills.

This is a full-time, 10-week appointment starting June 15, 2026, with a flexible duration based on funding availability. Candidates should be pursuing or have recently obtained a bachelor's or master’s degree.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated completion by June 1, 2029.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration with USGS scientists to develop data-driven tools.
• Conducting UX research including interviewing and usability testing.
• Working on the modernization of high-visibility USGS applications.

Skills

UX research

Front-end development

Workflow mapping

Usability testing

Interviewing

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Figma

Job description

Overview

Organization: U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Reference Code: DOI-USGS-2026-35

Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Office / Lab and Location

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth‑system interactions and provide science at scales relevant to decision makers.

Research Project

As USGS modernizes its scientific data delivery, there is growing demand for user‑centered web applications. The project involves front‑end design and user research for high‑visibility USGS science applications, including modernization of the Breeding Bird Survey, the Permitting Partner Portal, and the Surface Disturbance and Reclamation Tracking Tool (SDARTT). These initiatives require expertise in UX research, front‑end development, and workflow mapping across diverse user communities.

Learning Objectives

• Collaboration with USGS scientists and technical staff, translating scientific workflows into data‑driven tools.
• Development of UX research skills, including interviewing, usability testing, workflow mapping, and synthesizing user needs.
• Proficiency in modern front‑end tools (e.g., Figma) for wireframing, prototyping, and documenting design requirements.
• Understanding of software development processes in a science agency, including agile workflows and design–research integration.

Mentor

Brian Reichert ([e-mail])

Appointment Details

Start Date: June 15, 2026 (flexible)

Duration: 10 weeks, renewable as funding allows

Level of Participation: Full time

Stipend: Varies; details provided upon interview.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and eligible foreign nationals may apply. Non‑U.S. citizens should review the program’s immigration eligibility guidelines.

ORISE Information

Participants are managed through ORAU under an interagency agreement with DOE and USGS. Participants are not employees of USGS, DOE, or ORAU, and no employment benefits are provided. Proof of health insurance is required; it can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions

Email [e-mail] with the reference code for any inquiries about the application process.

Qualifications

The candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field within the last 48 months, or anticipate completion by June 1, 2029.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated by June 1, 2029.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences: Analytical Chemistry, Bio‑inorganic Chemistry, Bio‑organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Chemistry (General), Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry.
  • Communications and Graphics Design.
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences.
  • Earth and Geosciences.
  • Engineering.
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences.
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences.
  • Mathematics and Statistics.
  • Physics.
  • Science & Engineering‑related.
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences.