IT UX Designer

City Of Chattanooga Career Site
Full_timeβ€’$59k-71k/year (USD)β€’Chattanooga, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: IT UX Designer Company: City Of Chattanooga Career Site Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States Job Type: Full time Category: Technology / User Experience Design Date Posted: November 25, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role focuses on the critical intersection of technology and user experience, designing intuitive and engaging interfaces for government IT applications and websites.
  • The IT UX Designer will leverage a data-driven approach to analyze user interactions and continuously improve the digital experience for citizens and internal users.
  • Collaboration is key, as the designer will work closely with software and website development teams within an agile (Scrum) environment to translate complex requirements into elegant user solutions.
  • This position demands a proactive individual capable of independently managing design projects from conceptualization through to implementation and testing, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and accessibility standards.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The job title "IT UX Designer" and the description clearly place this role within the technology and user experience domain. The mention of "software and website development teams in an agile (Scrum) environment" indicates a focus on modern software development lifecycles, common in many tech-forward organizations, including government entities aiming for digital transformation. The emphasis on "user experience and user interface design work" and "creating a unique and elegant interaction between users and IT applications" defines the core function.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with stakeholders, including department heads, IT project managers, and end-users, to conceptualize and define user experience and interface requirements for new and existing IT applications and digital platforms.
  • Conduct comprehensive user research, synthesizing quantitative (e.g., Google Analytics data) and qualitative (e.g., user interviews, feedback sessions) data to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.
  • Develop detailed user experience specifications, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools (e.g., Adobe XD).
  • Design and manage usability testing protocols, conducting testing sessions at appropriate milestones during the product development lifecycle to validate design decisions and gather actionable feedback.
  • Actively participate in agile ceremonies, including daily scrums and sprint planning, to provide design expertise, ensure design feasibility, and maintain alignment with development sprints.
  • Maintain and evolve the site's UI architecture, ensuring consistent file-naming conventions, file-preparation procedures, and adherence to UI/UX development standards.
  • Proactively identify and implement process improvements to streamline the UI/UX production workflow, enhancing efficiency and design quality.
  • Ensure all designs comply with WC3 and ADA Section 508 usability standards, promoting accessibility for all users.
  • Translate technical constraints and business requirements into intuitive and user-friendly interface designs.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned to support the Technology Services department's digital initiatives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a mid-level to senior UX Designer role, especially within a government context where accessibility and stakeholder management are paramount. The inclusion of "daily scrum and sprint planning" explicitly points to working within an Agile/Scrum framework, requiring designers to be comfortable with iterative development and cross-functional team collaboration. The emphasis on "data-driven approach" and "quantitative and qualitative data" highlights the need for analytical skills beyond pure aesthetics.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

  • A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in user experience (UX) design for software applications and digital platforms.
  • Demonstrated experience working within an agile (Scrum) development environment.
  • Experience translating business and user requirements into design elements and user experiences.
  • Proven ability to conduct user research and usability testing.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design principles and best practices.
  • Strong understanding of HTML 4/5, CSS 2/3, and JavaScript, with an awareness of how these technologies impact front-end design.
  • Expertise in creating user experience specifications, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
  • Experience with usability testing protocols and session management.
  • Knowledge of WC3 and ADA Section 508 usability standards to ensure accessibility compliance.
  • Familiarity with content management systems (CMSs) and their design implications.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs, including Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
  • Experience with web analytics tools, specifically Google Analytics, for data-driven design decisions.
  • Skill in mobile device and responsive design principles to ensure optimal user experience across all platforms.
  • Strong graphic design and visual communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with rapid prototyping techniques.
  • Familiarity with participatory or crowd-sourced design methodologies.
  • Experience in government or public sector IT projects.
  • Knowledge of emerging web standards and UX/UI trends.
  • Experience with After Effects for motion graphics and interactive prototyping.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The required skills list is comprehensive, covering technical proficiencies (HTML/CSS/JS, Adobe CC, Google Analytics), design methodologies (UX/UI, prototyping, usability testing, responsive design), and soft skills (interpersonal, customer service). The "portfolio of work" requirement is a critical element for UX roles and is therefore emphasized in the "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section as well.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of five years of UX/UI design experience for software applications and digital platforms is mandatory for consideration.
  • The portfolio should showcase a range of design projects, illustrating your ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive and user-centered solutions.
  • Include case studies that detail your design process, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and final implementation.
  • Clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design decisions made, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your work, particularly focusing on efficiency improvements and user satisfaction.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in creating wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes using tools such as Adobe XD.

Process Documentation:

  • Provide examples of how you have documented UI architecture, file-naming conventions, and file-preparation procedures to ensure consistency and maintainability in UI/UX development.
  • Illustrate instances where you have suggested and implemented procedures to improve the UI/UX production workflow, highlighting efficiency gains or quality enhancements.
  • Showcase experience in designing usability testing protocols and managing testing sessions at appropriate milestones during product development.
  • If possible, include examples of how you have leveraged quantitative and qualitative data analysis in your design process to inform iterative improvements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, a portfolio is non-negotiable. This section is expanded to detail what a strong UX portfolio should contain, focusing on process, problem-solving, and demonstrable results, which are key evaluation criteria for operations-adjacent roles that require analytical and systematic thinking. The requirement for WC3 and ADA Section 508 compliance also implies a need to demonstrate understanding of these standards within the portfolio.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • The stated salary range for this position is GS.11, $58,910 - $71,170 annually. This range is competitive for a UX Designer role in the Chattanooga, TN area, especially within a government entity.

Benefits:

  • As a full-time employee of the City of Chattanooga, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package, which typically includes:
    • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Coverage options for employees and potentially dependents.
    • Retirement Plan: Participation in a defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plan, often with employer matching.
    • Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
    • Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance coverage.
    • Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage options.
    • Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and continuing education to enhance skills.
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
    • Other potential benefits may include tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and commuter benefits.

Working Hours:

  • Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. EST.
  • Flexibility may be required due to specific work assignments or project demands, as noted in the job description.
  • This is an exempt position, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided in the input. The benefits section is populated with standard offerings for municipal government employees in the US, as this is a common benefit structure for such organizations. The working hours and exempt status are also clearly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Government / Public Sector Technology Services Company Size: The City of Chattanooga is a large municipal government organization, likely employing several thousand individuals across various departments. This scale implies structured processes, diverse teams, and a significant impact on the community. For an operations professional, this means stability, well-defined roles, and opportunities to influence large-scale systems. Founded: The City of Chattanooga has a long history, with its current municipal government structure evolving over time. Understanding this history can provide context for the organization's operational maturity and its approach to technological adoption.

Team Structure:

  • This IT UX Designer position is within the Technology Services department, a central IT function responsible for managing and developing the city's technological infrastructure and digital services.
  • The team likely comprises various IT specialists, including software developers, network administrators, system analysts, and potentially other UX/UI designers or project managers.
  • The role involves close collaboration with software and website development teams, indicating a cross-functional team dynamic within the department, operating within an agile (Scrum) framework.

Methodology:

  • The department operates within an agile (Scrum) environment for software and website development, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and rapid response to changing requirements.
  • A data-driven approach is explicitly mentioned, requiring the UX Designer to utilize quantitative and qualitative data to inform design decisions and measure success.
  • Emphasis is placed on industry best practices and usability standards, including WC3 and ADA Section 508 compliance, reflecting a commitment to quality and accessibility in public digital services.

Company Website: https://www.chattanooga.gov/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The context of working for a municipal government like the City of Chattanooga is crucial. It implies a focus on public service, accessibility, and adherence to strict regulations and standards (like ADA Section 508). The "Technology Services" department likely serves a broad range of internal departments and external citizens, making user experience design for diverse audiences a key consideration. The mention of "GS.11" salary grade also points to a structured government pay scale.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized, experienced individual contributor. Given the five-year minimum experience requirement and the "GS.11" classification, it represents a solid mid-level to senior position within the IT UX design domain. The scope of responsibility includes independent design work, collaboration, and process improvement, indicating a degree of autonomy and impact.

Reporting Structure:

  • The IT UX Designer will report to a manager or lead within the Technology Services department. This could be an IT Manager, a Director of Technology Services, or a dedicated UX/UI Lead, depending on the team's specific structure.
  • Close collaboration with software developers, project managers, and various city department stakeholders is expected, forming a matrix of working relationships essential for project success.

Operations Impact:

  • The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to improving the efficiency, usability, and accessibility of the City of Chattanooga's digital services. This translates to enhanced citizen engagement, streamlined internal processes, better data collection, and increased public trust.
  • By creating intuitive interfaces, the role contributes to reducing support costs, improving user adoption rates for city applications, and ensuring compliance with accessibility mandates, which are critical for public sector operations.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, accessibility consulting, or information architecture.
  • Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead UX initiatives on larger projects, or transition into a UX Lead or Managerial role within the Technology Services department.
  • Cross-Departmental Projects: Chance to work on diverse projects across different city departments, gaining exposure to a wide array of operational challenges and user needs.
  • Professional Development: The city likely offers training, workshops, and potentially support for certifications or conferences relevant to UX/UI design and agile methodologies.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "GS.11" classification suggests a defined career path within the city's employment structure. Growth opportunities are framed around deepening UX expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, and expanding project scope within the municipal government context. The impact is clearly linked to public service and operational efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the IT UX Designer to work from a designated City of Chattanooga office location. This environment is typical for government roles, facilitating direct collaboration and access to city resources.

Office Location(s):

  • The primary work location is Chattanooga, Tennessee. Specific office building details would be provided upon hire, but it is expected to be within the city's administrative or technology service facilities.
  • Accessibility to public transport or dedicated parking may be available, depending on the specific office location.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is likely a professional office environment within the Technology Services department. This could include individual workstations, shared office spaces, and dedicated areas for team collaboration and meetings.
  • Access to standard office technology, including computers, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized design hardware, will be provided.
  • The environment fosters direct interaction with IT colleagues, developers, project managers, and potentially end-users from various city departments. This proximity is conducive to the agile (Scrum) methodology and rapid design iteration.

Work Schedule:

  • The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM EST.
  • While this is a structured schedule, the nature of project-based work within an agile framework may occasionally require adjustments or extra effort to meet sprint deadlines or critical project milestones.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement is confirmed. The description of the workspace and environment is tailored to a typical municipal government IT department, emphasizing collaboration and access to necessary tools.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications, with a strong emphasis on the submitted portfolio. Candidates without a portfolio demonstrating the required experience will likely be screened out.
  • Technical Interview: Candidates may undergo an interview focused on UX/UI design principles, methodologies, and technical skills. This could involve discussing past projects, problem-solving scenarios, and demonstrating knowledge of design tools and accessibility standards.
  • Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session will likely focus on a detailed review of the candidate's portfolio. Candidates may be asked to present specific case studies, explaining their design process, decision-making, and the impact of their work. This is a critical stage for assessing practical application of skills.
  • Behavioral/Situational Interview: This stage assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and problem-solving abilities within a team and organizational context. Questions may focus on teamwork, stakeholder management, and handling challenging design situations.
  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the hiring manager, to confirm overall fit and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with software applications, government-related interfaces (if applicable), and adherence to accessibility standards (WC3, ADA 508).
  • Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your specific contributions, the design process followed (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.
  • Highlight Process: Emphasize your data-driven approach, how you incorporated user feedback, and how you navigated challenges within an agile (Scrum) framework.
  • Accessibility Focus: Explicitly mention and demonstrate how you incorporated WC3 and ADA Section 508 compliance into your designs.
  • Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your prototypes and explain design decisions in detail, anticipating questions about alternatives considered and trade-offs made.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Candidates might be given a design challenge, either as a take-home assignment or a live exercise during the interview process. This could involve redesigning a specific city service interface or solving a user flow problem.
  • Prepare to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to think critically and apply UX principles under pressure.
  • Focus on understanding the user needs and business goals, and how your proposed solution addresses both effectively, while also considering technical feasibility and accessibility.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to a UX design role, emphasizing the portfolio as a primary evaluation tool. The interview process and preparation tips are designed to guide candidates in effectively showcasing their UX expertise, process, and ability to meet the specific requirements of this position, particularly within a civic technology context.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Prototyping & Design: Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Adobe XD, is explicitly mentioned. Proficiency with Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation and manipulation is also required. After Effects may be used for motion graphics and advanced prototyping.
  • Collaboration & Workflow: Experience with tools supporting agile (Scrum) methodologies is implied, such as Jira, Trello, or similar project management software used for sprint planning and task tracking.
  • Web Development Technologies: A strong understanding of HTML 4/5, CSS 2/3, and JavaScript is crucial for effective UI design and communication with developers.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics: Google Analytics is a required skill, indicating the need to interpret website traffic data, user behavior, and conversion metrics to inform design decisions.
  • Data Analysis: The role requires collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, suggesting familiarity with basic data analysis principles and potentially tools beyond Google Analytics for qualitative feedback synthesis.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMSs) is required. Understanding how UX design integrates with CMS platforms is beneficial.
  • Experience with user feedback platforms or survey tools used for qualitative data collection would be advantageous.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned in the job description are explicitly listed. Additional tools commonly used in UX design and agile environments are inferred to provide a more complete picture of the expected technology stack.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A core value is designing with the end-user (citizens and internal staff) at the forefront, ensuring applications are intuitive, accessible, and meet their needs effectively.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing the use of quantitative and qualitative data to inform design choices, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in user experience.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where designers work closely with developers, stakeholders, and other team members to achieve common goals, especially within the agile (Scrum) framework.
  • Accessibility & Inclusivity: A strong commitment to designing digital products that are accessible to all individuals, adhering to WC3 and ADA Section 508 standards.
  • Efficiency & Process Improvement: Encouraging the identification and implementation of better workflows and procedures to enhance the efficiency and quality of UX/UI design production.

Collaboration Style:

  • Agile Integration: The designer will actively participate in daily scrums, sprint planning, and retrospectives, working as an integral part of the development team.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Building strong working relationships with software developers, business analysts, project managers, and department representatives to ensure design solutions are technically feasible, meet business objectives, and satisfy user requirements.
  • Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs and processes, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively communicating design concepts, rationale, and testing results to various stakeholders, ensuring alignment and buy-in.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section is inferred based on the role's description within a government IT department operating in an agile environment. Key values like user-centricity, accessibility, and data-driven approaches are highlighted as they are critical for public sector UX design.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Diverse User Needs: Designing for a wide range of citizens with varying technical abilities, accessibility requirements, and needs, alongside internal city employees with specific functional requirements.
  • Legacy Systems Integration: Potentially working with or redesigning interfaces for older, legacy systems that may have technical constraints or established user behaviors.
  • Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within a government structure may present challenges related to procurement, approval processes, and stakeholder consensus, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.
  • Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously updating skills and knowledge to incorporate the latest UX/UI trends, tools, and accessibility standards in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized UX Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses focused on advanced user research techniques, interaction design patterns, or UX strategy.
  • Accessibility Certifications: Pursuing certifications related to web accessibility (e.g., CPACC, WAS) to deepen expertise in WC3 and ADA Section 508 compliance.
  • Agile/Scrum Training: Furthering knowledge and practice within agile methodologies, potentially leading to certifications like Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), if relevant to career path.
  • Industry Conferences: Attending conferences focused on UX, digital government, or technology to network, learn about best practices, and stay abreast of industry innovations.
  • Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior IT leaders or to mentor junior team members, fostering skill development and leadership capabilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed considering the specific context of a government IT UX Designer role, including public service aspects, potential legacy systems, and the need for continuous learning in both design and public sector operations.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced in a previous role and how you approached it. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and data utilization).
  • "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all users, particularly in line with WC3 and ADA Section 508 standards? Can you provide an example?" (Demonstrate knowledge of accessibility guidelines and practical application).
  • "Walk us through your process for creating a prototype for a new feature. What tools do you use, and how do you incorporate user feedback?" (Showcase your design workflow and iterative approach).
  • "How do you collaborate with software developers and project managers in an agile (Scrum) environment to ensure design feasibility and timely delivery?" (Highlight teamwork and agile experience).
  • "How do you utilize data (e.g., from Google Analytics) to inform your design decisions and measure the success of your UX improvements?" (Emphasize your data-driven methodology).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working for the City of Chattanooga, specifically in the Technology Services department?" (Research city initiatives, digital transformation efforts, and public service mission).
  • "How do you handle feedback or design critiques from stakeholders or team members, especially if you disagree?" (Assess your communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills).
  • "Describe your experience working in an agile (Scrum) team. What is your role during sprint planning and daily stand-ups?" (Demonstrate understanding of agile ceremonies and your contribution).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each selected case study, clearly define the problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the measurable results or impact.
  • Visual Storytelling: Use wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams to visually communicate your design journey and solutions.
  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction scores).
  • Explain Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs, business objectives, and accessibility requirements.
  • Conciseness: Practice presenting your key projects within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring you cover the most impactful aspects without getting lost in excessive detail.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a UX Designer role, focusing on portfolio presentation, technical skills, and behavioral competencies relevant to government and agile environments.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this IT UX Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the City of Chattanooga Career Site portal via the provided URL.
  • Portfolio Customization: Carefully curate your UX/UI design portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your experience with software applications, user-centered design, data-driven improvements, and accessibility standards (WC3, ADA Section 508). Ensure it includes case studies detailing your process and outcomes.
  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords found in the job description, such as "User Experience," "User Interface Design," "Agile," "Scrum," "HTML," "CSS," "JavaScript," "Adobe XD," "Google Analytics," and "WC3/ADA Section 508." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate within an agile team. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to illustrate your responses to common UX interview questions.
  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the City of Chattanooga's mission, its Technology Services department, and any recent digital initiatives. Understand the importance of public service and accessibility in government IT projects.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least five years of experience in UX design for software applications. A portfolio demonstrating relevant work is also required.