Permaculture & Regenerative Systems Manager

Location: Tuqtuquilal, Lanquín, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Type: Full-time | In-person

Tuqtuquilal is seeking a hands-on, visionary, and systems-minded Permaculture & Regenerative Systems Manager to lead the transformation of our land into a thriving, closed-loop ecosystem. This role is ideal for someone who lives and breathes permaculture — not just in theory, but through years of practical implementation, especially in tropical, mountainous environments.

This is more than a farm management job; this is a land stewardship role. It’s a chance to co-create a living, breathing model of what’s possible when humans work with nature.

Key Responsibilities:

Regenerative Landscape Design & Implementation

• Design and implement whole-systems regenerative infrastructure, including water catchment, swales, terraces, greywater systems, and soil-building strategies.

• Harmonize water with the land to slow, spread, and sink it using appropriate tropical techniques.

• Develop and maintain food forests, kitchen gardens, and other edible/permaculture zones for long-term abundance.

• Design and build a composting chicken coop for healthy eggs and fertilizer.

• Support bioconstruction projects using local and natural materials to create beautiful, functional spaces.

Soil Health & Closed-Loop Systems

• Improve soil fertility through composting, mulching, and nutrient cycling systems.

• Set up and maintain biochar systems

• Optimize the use of compost toilets to create safe, effective natural fertilizer.

• Create closed-loop systems that minimize labor and external inputs while maximizing biodiversity and yield.

Training & Community Engagement

• Host workshops and hands-on trainings in regenerative agriculture for the Red Ratzum network of Q’eqchi farmers.

• Collaborate with local communities to share techniques and co-develop practices grounded in ecological wisdom and cultural relevance.

• Manage and inspire a rotating team of volunteers or interns, providing clear guidance and meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Success in This Role Looks Like:

• Tuqtuquilal is a thriving demonstration site for regenerative living.

• Our land is more fertile, productive, and water-secure year after year.

• The farmers in Red Ratzum are adopting new regenerative practices with enthusiasm and success.

• Visitors, students, and clients walk away inspired by what’s possible when we work in harmony with the land.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• At least 3–5 years of hands-on permaculture design and implementation experience

• Experience working on mountainside properties and/or in tropical environments

• Strong knowledge of water systems, food forest design, composting, and natural fertilizer strategies

• Comfort teaching, facilitating workshops, and working cross-culturally with farmers

• Creative problem-solving mindset and willingness to experiment and iterate

• Hardworking, physically active and strong, and capable of managing on-the-ground projects

• Bonus: experience in bioconstruction or natural building practices

This role is for someone who is:

• A land steward

• A systems thinker

• A teacher and a doer

• A lover of rain, soil, and slow-growing things

• Ready to build a future where humans and Earth thrive together

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.