Undercover Investigator

Date Position Post Closes: Ongoing

Specifics:

• Terms of employment: Contractor
• Reports to: Director/ Deputy Director of Investigations
• Location: 100% Travel-based
• Salary: $900-1,100 per week

Overview:
Launch your career in animal welfare with an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact in the fight against farmed animal cruelty. Undercover investigators begin with an immersive, all-expenses-paid professional training experience in Los Angeles. Work alongside veteran investigators who will share their wealth of expertise gained from countless successful missions.

As a key member of our investigative team, you’ll play a crucial role in exposing unethical practices and championing positive change in the agricultural industry. Your work will directly contribute to improving the lives of countless animals and creating a more humane food system. Animal Outlook’s investigations have resulted in criminal charges for animal abusers, facility shutdowns, standard industry practice reforms, and countless people making more compassionate food choices.

This isn’t just a job – it’s a chance to be at the forefront of meaningful change, turning evidence into action and compassion into results. If you’re passionate about animals and ready to make a real difference, this could be your calling.

Animal Outlook (AO) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal advocacy organization. AO strategically challenges the status quo of animal agribusiness through undercover investigations, legal advocacy, corporate and food system reform, and empowering everyone to choose vegan. Animal Outlook’s groundbreaking work has been featured in high-profile media platforms across the U.S. including ABC News, CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

Position Specifications:

• Ability to travel for consecutive long periods of time
• No college degree or prior experience required
• Ability to perform repetitive physical labor (including heavy lifting) for long periods
• Ability to think quickly in high-pressure situations
• Ability to work with animals and bear witness to animal cruelty
• Strong verbal communication skills

Key Responsibilities:

• Working undercover in farms and slaughterhouses
• Taking detailed notes and making recordings
• Participate in interviews as needed – media training will be provided

What You’ll Gain:

• Unique experience within the animal advocacy movement
• A firsthand understanding of farmed animal operations and industry
• Access to a network of investigators and support systems
• A chance to make pivotal change from the outset
• All expenses paid while training and working in the field

Application:

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

• Why do you want to be an undercover investigator for Animal Outlook?
• 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?
• How do you cope under physical and mental pressure and how will you cope with witnessing farmed animal suffering?

Q&A with Director of Investigations, Scott David:

Why should someone want to apply for this role?

As an undercover investigator, you’ll be at the forefront of creating meaningful change in animal agriculture. This groundbreaking role offers a unique opportunity to document and expose industry practices while making a lasting impact on animal welfare. Working with Animal Outlook’s experienced investigations team (with 16+ years of combined expertise), you’ll receive comprehensive, month-long paid training in Los Angeles or another location, including accommodations. This entry-level position is an excellent launching pad for a career in animal advocacy and social justice.

What should candidates know before applying?

This role demands exceptional mental and physical resilience. The position requires extended periods away from home and physically demanding work in industrial settings. You will be exposed to challenging situations involving animal welfare, requiring emotional stability and strong psychological fortitude. The ability to work independently in difficult conditions is essential, as is a deep commitment to animal welfare and social change.

We prioritize our investigators’ well-being and provide robust mental health support throughout their employment. However, candidates must possess unwavering determination and resilience to succeed in this challenging yet impactful role.

What experience is required?

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, including recent graduates, career changers, and those with no prior work experience. Military veterans often excel in this role due to their experience with physical work and extended deployments.

The ideal candidate possesses strong emotional resilience and maintains confidentiality. Independence, reliability, physical stamina, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare are essential qualities for success in this position.

No specific degree or prior experience is required. We provide comprehensive training for successful candidates.