Pre-Announcement 
Term, Biological Science Technician, Plants
GS-0404-05
Southwestern Region (R3) --- Regional Office
Ecosystem Analysis and Planning/Watershed and Air
Albuqerque, NM

Position:  The Regional Office will soon be advertising a GS-404-05 Term position in the Ecosytem Analysis and Planning/Watershed and Air Staff.  The incumbent of the position will serve as the Biological Technician-Plants.  The primary assignment involves field work related to the New Mexico Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI) program and Regional Ecology Program. TEUI is an integrated inventory of soil, vegetation, geomorphology and geology along a climatic gradient. Soils are described, geology and landforms identified and vegetation identified, quantified and measured.

Region:  The Southwestern Region consists of approximately 2,000 permanent  and 1,500 temporary employees in 11 National Forests and 4 National Grasslands in New Mexico, Arizona, and the panhandle area of Texas and Oklahoma.  The Southwestern US is one of the most diverse and rapidly growing regions of the country.  In 1997, New Mexico became the first state in the continental US in which "minority groups" collectively represent over 50 percent of the state's population.  This "minority-majority" demographic situation is an indication of the complexity, diversity  and opportunities that the Southwestern Region faces as it carries out its mission of "caring for the land and serving the people."  The Region's programs represent the full complexity of resource management in the Forest Service with an emphasis on customer service and contributing to the Southwestern quality of life.   Recreation, Urban-Wildland Interface and forest restoration are some of the focus areas of the Region.

Location:  The position will be located in the Soutwestern Regional Office in Albuqerque, New Mexico.  

Cultural & Recreational Opportunities
Albuquerque is located in the central part of New Mexico. It lies at the foot of the Sandia Mountains. Hiking trails and picnic areas are available. A ski area is located on the Sandia mountains. The Rio Grande runs through the center of town. A State Park with Hiking and biking trails is located along the river. Albuquerque has a Museum of Natural History, historical museum, Pueblo Indian Cultural Center, zoo and aquarium/botanical park. The Old Town Plaza contains historical buildings and numerous shops and restaurants.

Climate:  Albuquerque is known for having one of the best year-round climates in the US---with 4 distinct seasons, 300 sunny days per year, warm summer days and cool evenings.  The summer temperatures average 42 to 91, with some warmer days.  Spring and Fall temperatures average 43-70,  and the winters are fairly mild, with temperatures averaging 23 to 49, with a few colder days.  Snow is anticipated in the city only about 5-10 days per year, usually clearing off by mid morning.  Albuquerque is high altitude semi-arid with only about 8-10 inches of precipitation a year, most coming as rain during July and August.

Medical:  Area residents have many hospitals serving them.  They include: Lovelace Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, University of New Mexico Medical Center, Lovelace Medical Center, and Carrie Tingely Childrens' Hospital.  This is in addition to the many medical clinics, private physicians and other health care professionals.  There are also several retirement communities and nursing homes serving the area.

Schools:  Albuquerque is served by the Albuquerque Public School System serving 87,000 students.  There are 11 High Schools, 6 Alternative High Schools, 33 Middle Schools, and 77 Elementary Schools.  The school district also offers many programs for students with special needs.  Other education offerings include many charter and private schools, the University of New Mexico, and the Central New Mexico Community College.  There is also a very active Continuing Education Program offered by the University of New Mexico.

Employment:  The presence of companies such as Intel, Phillips Electronics, Sandia National Labs, and Kirtland Airforce Base has made Albuquerque one of the leading technology centers in the country.  Recently, Albuquerque was named one of America's top 10 "Family Friendly Cities" and the "Best Multicultural Mecca"  by a national family magazine.   In addition, General Mills and General Electric also have major facilities in Albuquerque.

Housing:  The cost of living in Albuquerque is near the national average with the average cost of a single-family home being $130,000-$140,000.  Average commute time is less than 30 minutes each way which is below the national average.

Transportation:  Albuquerque is served by the Albuquerque International Airport, and two general aviation airports.    Amtrack and bus lines also serve Albuquerque and there is a bus system which also provides transportation for those with special needs.

Additional Information:  For additional location information visit the following web sites:

City of Albuquerque	http://www.cabq.gov  	
Albuquerque Visitor and Convention Bureau 	http://www.abqcvb.org  	
Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce	http://www.gacc.org  	
Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce	http://www.ahcnm.org 	
Albuquerque Public Schools	http://www.aps.edu 	

IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE  DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION AND IF YOU ARE THINKING OF APPLYING FOR THE POSITION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Steven Strenger:
(505)842-3145;
 sstrenger@fs.fed.us