Region 3 of the USDA Forest Service is currently seeking a diverse and qualified applicant pool for this position.  If you are interested in this exciting opportunity please complete the attached form and send it to Bobbi Barrera, Deputy Director, Wildlife, Fish, and Rare Plants Program, via email at blbarrera@fs.fed.us, or surface mail to 333 Broadway Blvd., S.E., Albuquerque, NM  87102, attention WFRP Program.  Responses to this notice are requested no later than close of business December 15, 2013.

About the Position: The incumbent serves as the Regional Botany Program Manager, responsible for providing long-range planning, program direction, and the establishment of program standards, objectives, and priorities for R3 Sensitive Plant Species and federally Threatened and Endangered plants (TES plants) to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.  Oversees development and implementation of strategies for the Region’s Botany Program including methodologies for TES plant management and monitoring designs, recommendations of acceptable land management activities, assessment of species habitat needs, recommendations on proposed listings, and development of recovery plans for plants listed under the Endangered Species Act.  Provides regional coordination for TES plant habitat planning in Forest Land and Resource Management Plans.  Oversees information management systems including methods for gathering, recording, dissemination and retrieval of data related to the Botany Program such as the USFS Natural Resources Information System (NRIS) database.

Serves as the Regional native plant materials program coordinator for development and production of native plant materials for re-vegetation and restoration, to ensure compliance with agency mission, national direction, and regional policies.  Assists Forest and Grassland staff in utilization of contracts for the production of native plant materials. Assists Forest and Grassland units in the implementation of National Memoranda of Understanding for the protection of pollinators and their habitats.  Serves as the primary regional training officer for the Botany Program, and promotes environmental education for the public regarding the conservation of TES plants and their habitats, pollinators, the use of native plant materials.

Reviews new or revised policy directives from the Washington Office (WO) and develops interpretation and standards for implementation and compliance by Forest units.  Serves as primary contact with the Washington Office in program planning and budget interpretation involving the Botany Program. Coordinates with State agencies to administer grants and track funds for reimbursement for projects.

Assists the Director of Wildlife, Fish, and Rare Plants in the development of overall Forest resource and functional programs, in relation to the program objectives, priorities, and standards for the Botany Program.  Keeps the RO Wildlife, Fish, and Rare Plants staff informed of major botany issues, legislation, classification, and emerging Forest Service direction.  Provides necessary coordination between Research and State and Private Forestry branches of the Forest Service.  Provides technology transfer for research or management findings to National Forest and Grassland personnel. Serves as principal liaison for the Botany Program with other Federal and State agencies, American Indian Tribes, universities, Non-governmental organizations, and members of the public concerning goals, objectives, and planning activities which affect the Region’s National Forests and Grasslands.

About USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region: The Region is composed of approximately 22.3 million acres of National Forest system lands.  There is an amazing diversity of plant species in the Region, with several endemic species. The R3 Botany Program is currently tracking 13 federally listed plants, 4 federal candidates, and 166 Regional Forester’s Sensitive plant species.

The Southwestern Region contains a wide array of habitat types, ranging from the Southern Rocky mountains in Northern New Mexico, the southern Great Plains in Texas and Oklahoma, to the Madrean Archipelago woodlands and Sonoran and Chihuahua deserts in Arizona.  Land features include alpine peaks, mesas, steep canyons, prairies, and deserts.  Several large river systems are found with the Region, including the Colorado, Verde, Salt, Rio Grande, San Juan, Pecos, and Canadian Rivers. Sky islands (small mountain ranges surrounded by desert) are a unique feature in the Region and make up a significant part of the National Forest system lands.  Elevations range from a high of 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak on the Carson National Forest to a low of 1,600 feet on the Tonto National Forest.

Duty Station:  This position is located in the Regional Office, Wildlife, Fish and Rare Plants staff, USDA Forest Service, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Community Information:  Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico (pop. 600,000), situated at 5,300 feet in elevation in the central Rio Grande valley at the base of the Sandia Mountains.  The city offers a wealth of cultural opportunities stemming from its rich Native American and Hispanic history, including the Indian Cultural Center, Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque Zoological Park, Maxwell Museum of Natural History, Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanical Gardens, Rio Grande Nature Center, Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum, National Atomic Museum, numerous art galleries, historic churches and the historic Old Towne Area.  Because of its proximity to mountain, desert, river, and alpine settings Albuquerque also offers year round outdoor recreational opportunities.  Within the area there are six public golf courses, 31 parks and public tennis courts, 13 public swimming pools, one downhill ski area, a number of libraries and community centers, and over 200 miles of biking routes and trails.  Portions of the Cibola National Forest occur in the Sandia and Monzano mountains located directly east and south of the city.  These areas provide for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, hiking, and biking. Albuquerque is also known for its annual Balloon Fiesta which hosts over 800 hot air balloons in early October.

Climate:  The climate of Albuquerque is considered high altitude semi-arid, also known as high desert.  The city has one of the best year-round climates in the United States, with four distinct seasons, 300 sunny days per year, with warm summer days and cool evenings.  Average precipitation is 8-10 inches/year mostly coming as rain during the monsoon season of July and August.  Average summer high temperature is about 90 °F at lower elevations to 70° at higher elevations in the Sandia Mountains.  Average winter low temperature is 49°, with snow anticipated in the city fewer than 10 days/year.

Medical and hospital facilities:  Virtually every medical specialty is represented among the health professionals in the Albuquerque area.  Several hospitals occur in the city including Presbyterian Hospital, University of New Mexico Medical Center, Lovelace Medical Centers, Heart Hospital of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Veterans Administration hospital.

Housing:  The Albuquerque metropolitan area and the adjacent communities of Rio Rancho and Bernalillo and nearby communities of Los Lunas and various east mountain communities offer housing opportunities with a wide range of prices.  The median price for a 2 to 3 bedroom home is approximately $200,000 to $250,000.  Rentals are also readily available.

Schools:  The Albuquerque Public School system offers many programs for students and includes several charter or alternative schools.  Furthermore, Albuquerque has a number of excellent private and parochial schools serving elementary through high school students.  High educational facilities include the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico community college.

Churches:  There are a number of churches in the Albuquerque area, with all denominations represented.

Public Transportation:  Albuquerque has an International Airport which is located close to the Forest Service Regional Office.  There are numerous car rental agencies and many local cab companies. There is also a bus line and train, which operate between Santa Fe, NM to the north of Albuquerque, to communities south of the city. In addition, there is a city-wide bus service and a designated network of paved bike routes.