More official word (or lack thereof) from the Post regarding Gabe Escobar's future (and a City Editor job description to boot).

Gabe is taking some time off and is in discussions over his next move. For the time being, Paul Bernstein will be in charge of the District desk.

Full release after the jump...(See previous info/speculation here)

Metro News: Opening for a City Editor

After six and a half years of distinguished work leading the District staff, Gabe Escobar has decided to step down as City Editor, effective Dec. 1. Gabe oversaw outstanding coverage of a variety of issues including award-winning work on the District's problems with lead in its drinking water. He was City Editor for most of Tony Williams's tenure as mayor, the Sept. 11 attacks, the sniper saga, the baseball stadium debate, two presidential inaugurations, and countless marches and rallies. The Metro file has benefited immensely from Gabe's hard work and aggressive approach to breaking news, as well as his especially deft text editing skills. Gabe is taking some time off and is in discussions over his next move. For the time being, Paul Bernstein will be in charge of the District desk.

The choice of Gabe's successor will be an important one. The District staff covers the nation's capital and the center of our region. Of our various jurisdictions, the city attracts the broadest interest from area readers. Moreover, the next City Editor will take charge at a time of great transition for the District. A major mayoral election campaign is under way, and gentrification and associated demographic change are transforming many neighborhoods. A controversial baseball stadium is (very likely) to be built, and the city administration is under fresh scrutiny for problems with its accounting and school management.

We're looking for an editor who can inspire and lead the staff to chronicle these developments, break news, hold authorities accountable, and reveal to our readers the city's emerging personality. We especially want to deepen our understanding of the increasingly diverse and often overlooked people, neighborhoods and culture of the District outside the official institutions that often attract our focus. The City Editor also supervises Metro's Night Staff and regional reporters covering religion, health care, demographics and homeland security.

The ideal candidate would have excellent news judgment and text-editing skills, and work effectively and collegially with reporters, editors and other staff. Knowledge of the city is a plus, but is not required. We will be considering applicants from inside and outside the paper. If you are interested, please apply by Dec. 21 to...