Selection process developed by matteria

Location and Work Mode

La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. On-site work mode

Who we are

The Center for Applied Dryland Water Studies (CADWS) is a research and innovation center dedicated to advancing water security and ecological regeneration in arid and semi-arid regions. As part of Alumbra, a regenerative business ecosystem operating in Baja California Sur, CADWS integrates science, local knowledge, and applied technologies to restore landscapes and promote resilient communities.

Our purpose is clear: to turn drylands into living laboratories for sustainability.

Our impact

• Over 200 hectares of land under regenerative management in Baja California Sur.
• Pilot projects on managed aquifer recharge (MAR), enhancing groundwater recovery in the Los Planes watershed.
• Alliances with local and international partners, including universities, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
• Applied research and knowledge-sharing initiatives bridging science, policy, and community practice.

Purpose of the Position

Lead CADWS’s Regenerative Agriculture & Ranching Program, translating applied research into field demonstrations and adoption in arid and semi-arid landscapes, and connecting outcomes to viable business models and emerging climate-finance and ecosystem-services opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Operational Management: 

• Coordinate human, logistical, and financial resources for the regenerative agriculture & ranching team. 
• Oversee agreements, contracts, and grants for research, education, and demonstration pilots. 
• Serve as liaison for carbon and nature-based projects, ensuring social and biodiversity safeguards/certifications.

Applied Research & Economic Analysis: 

• Lead or supervise formal analyses of local ranch economies. 
• Build P&L tables for activities (e.g., beekeeping, cheese production, organic horticulture). 
• Quantify co-benefits for ranch economies; analyze ROI of cover crops, local fertilizers, and crop–livestock integration. 
• Document direct benefits to landholders and translate them into investable opportunities.

Demonstration & Adoption: 

• Design and coordinate demonstration projects at Rancho Cacachilas and allied ranches. 
• Monitor adoption of regenerative practices across ranches in Los Planes watersheds and nearby areas. 
• Maintain an updated database of landowners/properties linked to pilot projects.

Alliances, Learning & Communication: 

• Engage with producers, technical partners, academia, funders, and policy stakeholders. 
• Prepare proposals and reports for donors and strategic partners. 
• Represent CADWS in inter-institutional meetings and Center activities as needed.

Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

• Master’s in regenerative agriculture/ranching, holistic management, rangeland management, environmental sciences or related (required).
• PhD preferred.

Experience

• 15+ years in regenerative/holistic/organic ranching & agriculture.
• Demonstrated work in arid/semi-arid ecosystems.
• Proven leadership of multi-stakeholder projects with community impact.

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep expertise in regenerative practices, water stewardship, and arid ecosystems.
• Strong interpersonal skills; trusted relationship building across diverse audiences.
• Project management and financial planning competence.
• High integrity; ability to work effectively with local communities and senior leadership.
• Advanced English and Spanish (spoken and written).

Competencies

• Deep expertise in regenerative practices, water stewardship, and arid ecosystems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and trusted relationship building across diverse audiences.
• High integrity and ability to work effectively with local communities and senior leadership.
• Mission-driven, science-based, and field-anchored approach aligned with CADWS’s purpose.

Our team profile

• Mission-driven, science-based, and field-anchored.
• Collaborative with producers and local stakeholders; emphasis on trust and equitable partnerships.
• Learning-oriented: demonstration, monitoring, and continuous adaptation in arid contexts.

Key interests for working with us

• Land & Water Stewardship in arid/semi-arid regions (watersheds in La Paz).
• Regenerative ranching and climate resilience through nature-based solutions.

Reasons to join our team

What we offer: Reasons to join our team

• Competitive salary.
• Permanent, full-time contract.
• Individual performance-based bonuses.
• Medical insurance and other benefits according to Mexican labor laws.
• A space for innovation and leading impactful strategies.
• Collaboration with a global team.
• Opportunity to build a flagship regenerative agriculture & ranching program in arid landscapes.
• Work at the intersection of applied science, producer livelihoods, and climate solutions.

Relevant details before applying for this vacancy

Important details before applying:

• Location: La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
• Reports to: Executive Director.