Quality & Operations Graduate - Citrus

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Costa is a global leading grower, packer, and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability across every part of our business.

Costa has more than 8000 planted hectares of farmland including berries, citrus, avocados, bananas and table grapes. We also operate 40 hectares of hi-tech glasshouses and three main mushroom growing facilities. We have operations in more than 60 rural and regional communities across Australia and in China, Morocco and Laos.

We're seeking enthusiastic graduates from a range of disciplines to join Costa as part of our 2025 Graduate intake

About Costa's Graduate Programs And Roles

All graduates joining the 2026 intake automatically enrol in a leadership development program, which aims to train and develop our future leaders and innovators. As a cohort, you will be provided with a hands-on and educational experience across Costa, that offers unprecedented access to senior leaders, external facilitators and former graduates to mentor and guide your course work and development.

The two options for 2026 graduate roles are as follows:

• Rotational Graduate Program Positions: 18-month duration, comprised of 3 x 6-month rotations in three different produce categories at different locations.
• Permanent (Specialised) Graduate Positions: these are ongoing graduate positions in some of the key talent growing hubs in our organisation, whether on farm or corporate head office.
  
  

About This Position

The Quality & Operations Graduate role is a Permanent (Specialised) Graduate position based in Renmark, South Australia. As a graduate in this capacity, you will take a dedicated route within Costa's Citrus category. You will commence your career with a dedicated set of responsibilities, under the guidance and mentorship of experienced colleagues and leaders.

Responsibilities

Working closely with farm managers, horticulturists, agronomists, food safety and quality and packshed operations; your key responsibilities will include (but not limited to):

• Developing and monitoring post-harvest techniques to reduce spoilage and maintain freshness
• Implementing and monitoring food safety and quality standards
• Conducting inspections for hygiene, contamination, pesticide residues, and microbial quality
• Ensure that food products meet national, international and Costa standards
• Identifying and resolving issues that may arise during the produce process, ensuring product safety, quality and productivity.
• Maintain up to date records of research findings, test results and production processes
• Supporting effective document control, data reporting and insights from data analytics.
  
  

Your Opportunity

• Benefit from a structured leadership and development training program
• Gain access to industry leaders and Costa executives
• Play a central role in producing premium quality fruit and vegetables
• Exposure to networks across the industry
• If applicable, relocation support may be provided.
  
  

Why join us?

We care for our people. People are the heart of Costa. Our employees enjoy some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry. From competitive pay to health, well-being, and further learning and development opportunities. No matter the role, you'll always benefit from a caring environment that encourages and supports you to thrive, grow and connect.

About You

To qualify for this position, you must:

• Be in your final year or recently finished a bachelor's or postgraduate degree relevant to this position
  • Agricultural Science, Horticulture, Ecology, Food Science and/or Science with an interest in horticulture/agronomy/food technology
• Hold a valid driver's licence (or will obtain by commencement date)
• Have your own personal reliable transport with relevant insurances
• From time to time, be willing to travel and work in different sites
• Be ready, willing, and available to commence the Graduate Program on February 9, 2026
• Must have full working rights in Australia.
  

We are seeking people who can demonstrate Costa's core values. These are: Determination, Accountability, Passion, Respect and Sincerity.

Successful candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to building a long-term career with a large multi-national organisation. You are a team player, with the ability to work independently, plus display a can-do and solutions focused attitude, with a growth mindset and confidence to engage and connect with people at all levels, which our culture and environment enables. Finally, you respect and adhere to company policies, whilst maintaining a safe working environment for all whilst approaching your role and career with Costa.

Program Timing and Process

Applications for the 2026 Graduate Intake close on September 28, 2025. The selection process will consist of video submissions, psychometric assessments and (virtual) interviews.

More information about the Costa Graduate Programs and available positions is available here.Seniority level

• Seniority levelInternship

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionQuality Assurance
• IndustriesHorticulture

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