Customer Research/Human Centered Design Lead

<div><p>ICF is seeking an experienced Customer Research / Human Centered Design Lead to guide user and stakeholder research in support of mission-critical systems serving Federal land management agencies, including USFS, USDA, DOI, and BLM. This role ensures that products and services reflect real operational workflows across diverse field and office environments, improving usability, adoption, and mission effectiveness. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in human-centered design and applied research, translating insights from users and stakeholders into actionable recommendations that inform product strategy and system development. </p><p></p><p><b>Job Location: </b>This position requires that the job be performed in the United States.  If you accept this position, you should note that ICF does monitor employee work locations and blocks access from foreign locations/foreign IP addresses, and also prohibits personal VPN connections.  </p><ul><li>You may be asked to travel once a quarter to an office.  </li><li>Our core work hours are 10am - 4pm Eastern Time with the option to start earlier or work later depending on your time zone. </li></ul><p></p><p><b>What You Will Do:  </b></p><ul><li>Lead and execute user and stakeholder research initiatives to inform product strategy, design decisions, and mission outcomes. </li><li>Develop and implement research strategies and study plans using qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, field studies, surveys, and usability testing. </li><li>Conduct research across diverse operational environments, including both field-based and office-based users, to understand workflows, constraints, and mission needs. </li><li>Synthesize research findings into actionable insights, personas, journey maps, and design recommendations that guide product and system development. </li><li>Collaborate closely with Product Owners, designers, and engineering teams to translate research insights into clear requirements and design improvements. </li><li>Lead iterative usability testing and validation activities to ensure solutions reduce user burden and improve system adoption. </li><li>Prepare and present research findings, recommendations, and reports to program leadership and Government stakeholders. </li><li>Guide and mentor multidisciplinary research teams while promoting human-centered design practices across the program. </li></ul><p></p><p><b>What You Will Bring With You:  </b></p><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Public Policy, or related field. </li><li>8+ years of experience conducting applied research, human-centered design, UX research, or service design, including at least 3 years leading research programs or multidisciplinary research teams. </li><li>Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance; must reside in and be authorized to work in the United States. </li></ul><p></p><p><b>What We Would Like You To Bring With You: </b></p><ul><li>Master’s degree in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Public Policy, or related discipline. </li><li>Experience supporting Federal agencies or public sector programs. </li><li>Experience conducting field-based research with operational users in complex mission environments. </li><li>Familiarity with human-centered design approaches used in digital services, enterprise systems, or mission support applications. </li><li>Experience translating research insights into product requirements, design improvements, and program strategy <span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; display: inline; text-decoration: inherit; hyphens: auto;">recommendations. </span></li><li>Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings and recommendations to executive or Government audiences. </li></ul><p></p><p><b>Professional Skills: </b></p><ul><li>Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear insights. </li><li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research findings and recommendations to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders. </li><li>Proven ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and drive alignment between research insights, product strategy, and system development. </li><li>Ability to manage multiple research initiatives while maintaining high standards of methodological rigor and stakeholder engagement. </li></ul><p></p><p>#Li-cc1 </p><p>#Indeed </p></div><div><p></p></div><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left"><u><b>Working at ICF</b></u></p>ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.<p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><div><p><span><span>We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer</span><span>.</span><span><span> </span></span><span>Together, our employees are empowered to share their<span> </span></span><span>expertise</span><span><span> </span>and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our </span></span><a href="https://www.icf.com/legal/equal-employment-opportunity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u><span>EEO</span></u></a><span><span><span> </span>policy.</span></span></p><p></p><p><span>We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.</span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span><span>Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with<span> </span></span><span>sincerely held</span><span><span> </span>religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request<span> </span></span><span>an accommodation,</span><span><span> </span>please email </span></span><a href="mailto:Candidateaccommodation@icf.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; display: inline; text-decoration: inherit; hyphens: auto;">Candidateaccommodation@icf.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></u></a><span><span> and we will be happy to<span> </span></span><span>assist</span><span>. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent<span> </span></span><span>required</span><span><span> </span>to provide needed reasonable accommodations. </span></span><span> </span></p></div><div><p></p></div><div><p><span><span>Read more about </span></span><a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u><span>workplace discrimination righ</span><span>t</span><span>s</span></u></a><span><span><span> </span>or our benefit offerings which are included in the </span></span><a href="https://www.icf.com/legal/equal-employment-opportunity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u><span>Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage</span><span><span> </span></span><span>Act.</span></u></a><span> </span></p></div><p></p><p style="text-align:inherit"> </p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><div><b><u>Candidate AI Usage Policy</u></b></div><div><div><p style="text-align:left"><span><span>At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or<span> </span></span><span>assist</span><span><span> </span>with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not<span> </span></span><span>permitted</span><span>. This policy is in place to<span> </span></span><span>maintain</span><span><span> </span>the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. </span></span><span> </span></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p></div><div><p style="text-align:left"><span><span>However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation</span><span><span> that involves the use of AI. </span>If<span> </span></span><span>such an</span><span><span> </span>accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at </span></span><a href="mailto:candidateaccommodation@icf.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span class="WIO0"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; display: inline; text-decoration: inherit; hyphens: auto;">candidateaccommodation@icf.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></u></a><span><span>. We<span> </span></span><span>are dedicated to providing</span><span><span> </span>the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.</span></span> <span><span> </span></span></p></div></div><p style="text-align:inherit"><br> </p><p style="text-align:left"><b>Pay Range</b><span> - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final </span><span>pay</span><span> for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. </span></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left"><span>The pay range for this position </span><span>based on full-time employment </span><span>is</span>:</p>$119,323.00 - $202,850.00<p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p>Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

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Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...