The Bill Ferguson Farm Transitions Fellowship

Application closing date: March 15, 2026

Specifics:

  • Terms of employment: 6 month Fellowship with potential to extend
  • Reports to: Director of Farm Transitions
  • Location: Hybrid remote and travel to Alabama with potential for more travel if position is extended
  • Salary: $5,000 per month (gross)
  • Benefits: Remote work, flexible hours, health benefits, 403(b) offered, generous vacation package

Overview:

Animal Outlook is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal advocacy organization based in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA.

We’re strategically challenging animal agribusiness through undercover investigations, legal advocacy, corporate and food system reform, and disseminating information about the many harms of animal agriculture, empowering everyone to choose vegan.

Animal Outlook’s Farm Transitions program helps farmers exit factory farming by transitioning to alternative agricultural ventures. We primarily work with poultry farmers who shift to specialty crop production. Our flagship case study, Riley Creek Farms (RCF), has completed their two-year transition and is now successfully producing lettuce in a retrofitted poultry barn using controlled environment (CE) technology.

The Farm Transitions program is expanding to work with more farmers in Alabama and is looking for a Fellow to coordinate these efforts.

Position Specifications:

  • Ability to travel for farm visits and events
  • Working knowledge of community organizing
  • Working knowledge of local food system challenges
  • Working knowledge of farms
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferences:

  • Work experience with community organizing, with farmers, with agriculture, and with food systems
  • Studies in Horticulture, Agronomy, Ag Economics, Farming Systems, Sustainable Food Systems or a related field

Key Responsibilities:

  • Recruit farmers to participate in the Farm Transitions program
  • Organize farmer outreach events
  • Coordinate transition process under the supervision of the Farm Transitions Director
  • Submit reports

What You’ll Gain:

  • Unique experience within the animal advocacy movement
  • Firsthand understanding of farmed animal operations and industry
  • Firsthand experience working with various stakeholders to make changes in the local food system
  • An opportunity to work directly with farmers to help them improve their livelihoods and their quality of life

Application:

To apply for this unique role, please submit your CV and Cover Letter via email to adefreitas@animaloutlook.org, including answers to the following questions:

  • Why do you want to work with farmers?
  • What city are you currently based in and why do the travel requirements of this role appeal to you?
  • How do you meet the given requirements?

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