Construction Lead / Regenerative Building Coordinator (EN)
DETAILS
(m/v/x)
Organisation: Elzéard Foundation
Location: Cross-border region
Belgium-Netherlands-GermanyEmployment: Full Time Position
Salary: Market-conform, depending on experience
Start: To be discussed
As Elzéard enters a new phase, we are looking for a Conservation Lead who can carry and further develop the ecological, strategic and societal dimension of this work.
Context
Rooted in the philosophy of rewilding and deep ecology, Elzéard Foundation is seeking to restore living systems at scale, while exploring new ways of relating to land, ownership and stewardship. More than an organization, Elzéard operates as a prototype for a broader transformation: reconnecting fragmented landscapes, rethinking agricultural and food practices, and contributing to the emergence of a regenerative commons.
Within this unfolding, building is not approached as the creation of isolated structures, but as an act of participation in a living landscape. Across a range of small- to medium-scale constructions and infrastructures, embedded within the territory, each intervention becomes part of a wider ecological and cultural system, contributing to its restoration, use, and ongoing evolution.
In this context, Elzéard aims to contribute to the emergence of a bioregional ecological building network, developed in close collaboration with architectural, construction, and agricultural partners, where practices, knowledge, and relationships can evolve across territories while remaining grounded in place.
As Elzéard moves from proof of concept into a phase of consolidation and expansion, a core team is taking shape to carry this work forward. This emerging structure brings together complementary roles, including a Conservation Lead and an Operations Lead, each holding a different dimension of the work.
While operational responsibility gradually shifts towards this core team, the founders remain closely involved as stewards of the organization’s intent, ensuring continuity of its underlying philosophy and direction.
Role Purpose
The Construction Lead is responsible for translating Elzéard’s vision into built reality on the ground.
This role ensures that construction projects are executed with clarity, quality and consistency, while remaining fully aligned with the project’s ecological, aesthetic and regenerative principles.
The architectural vision and aesthetic direction of the project are defined by Elzéard, in close collaboration with the design team. The Construction Lead plays a key role in implementing and safeguarding this vision throughout the execution process, ensuring that it is consistently carried through in materials, techniques and on-site decisions.
The role combines hands-on coordination, technical oversight and team leadership, with a strong sensitivity to place, materials and the broader landscape context.
Beyond the realization of structures, the role contributes to the emergence of a bioregional culture of building , where construction becomes a shared practice that connects people, place, and purpose.
Scope of the Role
1. Project & Site Coordination
Lead the execution of construction projects across multiple sites
Coordinate architects, contractors, craftsmen and volunteers
Ensure planning, budget, quality and safety are managed effectively
2. Translation of Vision into Practice
Ensure that the ecological and regenerative building principles are applied in execution
Act as a bridge between Elzéard’s vision, architectural design and on-site reality
Support technical and material choices aligned with low-tech, circular and local approaches
3. Team & Ecosystem Building
Contribute to building a regenerative construction team and network
Identify and engage craftsmen, suppliers and collaborators
Help develop a local ecosystem of materials and building practices
Key Responsibilities
Safeguard the architectural and aesthetic integrity of projects throughout execution, in close alignment with Elzéard and design team
Take operational responsibility for ongoing construction projects
Represent Elzéard in site meetings and technical coordination
Monitor progress, anticipate issues and propose solutions
Ensure alignment with the project’s building charter and values
Support permitting processes and administrative follow-up where needed
Contribute to the realization of small-scale, integrated landscape structures
Profile
We are looking for someone who brings a combination of technical experience, practical intelligence, and a sensitivity to place.
More specifically, you:
Bring strong experience in construction, site coordination, or project management
Have an affinity with ecological, circular, or low-tech building approaches
Have a hands-on, pragmatic mindset, with the ability to take ownership and move things forward
Bring strong coordination and communication skills, enabling smooth collaboration on site
Feel at ease working in a flexible and evolving environment where plans may adapt over time
Are fluent in English, combined with either Dutch or French; additional languages are considered an asset
And ideally, you:
Have experience working with craftspeople, traditional techniques, or natural materials
Bring a sensitivity to landscape, aesthetics, and integration into place
Have an interest in regenerative systems and alternative approaches to building
Show a strong alignment with the values and intent of the project
What succes looks like — after 6-12 months
Construction projects are progressing smoothly, reliably and on schedule
Clear coordination exists between architects, contractors and the Elzéard team
The quality of execution reflects the ecological and aesthetic ambition of the project
A small but effective construction network (contractors, craftsmen, suppliers) is in place
The building process feels structured and forward-moving, rather than reactive
What we can offer
A key role within a newly forming core team, with direct influence on how the organization evolves in its next phase
The opportunity to take ownership of the construction domain and shape how projects are realized on the ground, in alignment with a broader vision
A working environment that combines hands-on, site-based reality with a strong ecological and aesthetic intent
Close collaboration with the founders, while progressively taking on autonomy and responsibility within your role
Working within a small, committed team, where collaboration is direct, informal, and grounded in shared intent
The chance to contribute to a project that operates at landscape scale, where construction supports ecological restoration, land use, and new forms of stewardship
The opportunity to be part of a broader international movement around rewilding and Deep Ecology, connecting local building practices to a wider transformation
A context where initiative, ownership, and craftsmanship are valued, and where your contribution has visible and tangible impact on the landscape
The possibility to explore lodging options within the project context, or in the surrounding cross-border region (including the area around Aachen, Maastricht, and Liège), depending on availability and alignment
The role is based in the cross-border region between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and requires regular presence on site.
Practical details (timing, contract, and location) can be discussed based on mutual alignment.
