Lead Yard Hand

Founded in 1950 by two sisters, the Home of Rest for Old Horses is one of the Isle of Man’s most cherished charities. Our small, dedicated team cares for retired horses, ponies, goats and chickens’ year‑round, providing a peaceful sanctuary for animals who have served the community throughout their lives. We welcome thousands of visitors each year and host popular seasonal events that help support our work all of which is funded entirely by donations from the public.

Job Purpose

The Lead Yard Hand plays a central role in the daily running of the Home of Rest for Old Horses, ensuring high standards of animal care, smooth operation of public‑facing areas, and effective coordination of staff and volunteers. This is very much an outdoor role that involves hands‑on work across the yard, fields, gardens and the wider site at Bulrhenny in the full range of Manx weather.

As a key part of a small team, the post holder will need to be practical, flexible and willing to turn their hand to a wide range of daily tasks.

This role supports the General Manager and provides first‑line supervision to two Yard Hands and our team of wonderful volunteers, helping to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for our horses, ponies, goats, chickens, visitors and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities: 
 
Animal Care & Yard Operations
- Deliver high‑quality daily care for horses, ponies, goats and chickens, ensuring high welfare standards are consistently met.
- Lead by example in all yard duties including feeding, mucking out, grooming, and monitoring animal health.
- Support the General Manager with organising daily routines, seasonal tasks and farm maintenance.
- Carry out basic repairs on the farm e.g. to the fences and buildings.
- Undertake gardening, including grass cutting and strimming,
- Ensure safe use of farm equipment and machinery.

Team Leadership
- Provide day‑to‑day supervision, guidance and support to two Yard Hands and volunteers.
- Assist with staff training, task allocation and maintaining a positive, collaborative working environment.
- Act as a point of contact for operational issues when the General Manager is off‑site.

Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination:
- Induct, train and support volunteers, ensuring they feel valued, confident and equipped for their roles.
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive culture for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

Visitor Experience & Public‑Facing Duties
- Provide assistance in the café and shop, ensuring high standards and excellent customer service.
- Manage cash handling & reconciliation.
- Support seasonal events such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas, helping to create enjoyable experiences for visitors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, providing friendly, knowledgeable engagement with the public.

General Responsibilities
- Work flexibly as part of a small team that operates 365 days per year.
- Use initiative to solve problems and respond to unexpected situations calmly and effectively.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety across all areas of the site.
- Uphold the values, reputation and long history of the Home of Rest for Old Horses.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria
- At least 2 years’ experience working with horses and confidence handling animals of varying ages and temperaments.
- Excellent customer service skills, with a friendly and approachable manner.
- Full driving licence.
- Flexibility to work across varied tasks within a small team on a working farm. Flexible with working hours, including cover for events and annual leave.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons and able to carry out the hands‑on nature of the role.
- Ability to carry out basic repairs around the farm and the buildings.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work on own initiative.
- Experience working with or coordinating people, or clear aptitude for guiding and supporting people.

Desirable Criteria

We don’t expect candidates to have all of the desirable criteria but please do highlight if you have the following experience:
- Ability to use and maintain farm equipment (e.g., tractors, mowers, strimmers).
- Catering experience or familiarity with café operations.
- Relevant tickets or certifications, such as chainsaw operation or machinery use.
- Previous supervisory experience.

This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a much‑loved organisation and make a meaningful difference every day.

If you are interested in this role, please send your CV and cover letter to Laura Bruder, General Manager using the APPLY NOW button below.

Salary & benefits

Circa £30,000 per annum

Hours

Full-time (39 hours per week)