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.