General Contractor

Location: Tuqtuquilal, Lanquín, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Contract Duration: July–December 2025
Type: Full-time | On-site | Seasonal

Tuqtuquilal is seeking a skilled, culturally aware, and hands-on General Contractor to lead the construction and renovation of our land-based facilities, including cabins, outdoor bathrooms, showers, pathways, and communal spaces. This is an opportunity to help shape an inspiring and regenerative built environment in collaboration with a passionate team and a local network of builders.

Key Responsibilities:

Construction Oversight & Team Management

• Create building plans and translate them into action: oversee installations, timelines, and quality execution.

• Manage and guide a team of local Q’eqchi builders who are skilled through experience but may not be formally trained.

• Ensure build quality, durability, and safety on all projects, from foundations to finishes.

• Maintain a balance between respecting local building practices and elevating craftsmanship through mentorship, feedback, and collaboration.

Design & Adaptation

• Collaborate on thoughtful, place and climate-appropriate design of cabins, bathrooms, and other structures.

• Factor in humidity, rainfall, and erosion when planning materials and techniques.

• Make sure designs are executed according to plan, making adjustments as needed based on on-site realities.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Work with local and natural materials including wood, bamboo, palm, clay, earth, and sand.

• Be resourceful: able to problem-solve creatively when conventional materials or tools are unavailable.

• Prioritize functionality, beauty, and sustainability in all builds.

Contextual Leadership

• Be flexible and culturally sensitive — understand the realities of rural construction, local limitations, and community dynamics.

• Communicate clearly and respectfully across languages and cultural perspectives.

• Lead with humility and a desire to uplift local skills, while also ensuring excellence in final results.

Success in This Role Looks Like:

• All structures are built to last: safe, sound, and beautiful.

• The team of builders feels respected, empowered, and more skillful after the project.

• Designs are executed with creativity and precision.

• Natural, local materials are used wisely and appropriately.

• Construction aligns with the rhythms and realities of the land and climate.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Proven experience managing construction projects and small build teams

• Proficiency or mastery in carpentry

• Strong skills in design, planning, and supervision

• Ability to lead, teach, and communicate with non-professionally trained builders

• Experience working in remote or low-resource environments

• Knowledge of natural building techniques and climate-resilient design

• Creative and adaptive mindset: able to pivot and problem-solve on the fly

• Comfort working with natural materials such as clay, wood, palm, and sand

• Spanish fluency or proficiency

This role is for someone who is:

• A responsible supervisor, with an eye towards quality and functionality

• A craftsperson and a teacher

• A creative builder and a humble collaborator

• Able to balance vision with practicality

• Excited to build with the Earth, not just on it

Exchange:

• Accommodations

• All meals provided

• A monthly salary on par with standard local rates for land managers

To Apply:

• Send an email to tuqtuquilal@gmail.com with an explanation why would be the best fit for this role. Please share your experiences, skills, and personal values alignment to our project. If we think it’s a good potential fit, we will reach out to set up a video call interview.