Farm Fresh Produce Specialist

About Costa

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.

We operate 8000 hectares of farmland including berries, citrus, avocados, bananas and table grapes. We also have 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 us as part of our Graduate intake.

All graduates joining the 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 our organisation, 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 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.

This position is part of our Rotational Graduate Program. Graduates undertake an 18-month long experience, comprised of three rotations (each six months) in three different produce categories at different locations across Australia. You will get immersed in our horticulture, agronomy, growing, harvesting, irrigation and/or safety and quality teams, gaining exposure in a multitude of produce (e.g. citrus and grapes, berries, avocados and bananas, mushrooms, tomatoes and safety and quality).

You will work alongside a range of industry leading professionals across different farms/locations, allowing you to experience a variety of produce and growing climates, conditions and unique complexities allowing you to build a solid base for a long-term career in the industry.

• Assist with crop planning, pest and disease management, irrigation and soil management.
• Assist in setting up field trials to test new crop varieties, fertilisers, pesticides and techniques.
• Monitor crop health and diagnose issues (pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies)
• Collect and analyse data on crop performance and yield
• Product Quality; understanding of product defects and the effects on quality scores
• Harvest planning, coordinating and supervising
• Develop and monitor post-harvest techniques to reduce spoilage and maintain freshness
• Conduct inspections for hygiene, contamination, pesticide residues, and microbial quality
• Ensure that food products meet national and international standards

• Benefit from a structured leadership and development training program
• Gain access to industry leaders and our executives
• Play a central role in producing premium quality fruit and vegetables
• Exposure to networks across the industry

We care for our people. People are the heart of our organisation. 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.

During and upon the completion of the Graduate Program you will be eligible to apply for permanent roles which may arise within our organisation, and upon successful completion of the program, individuals are likely to be well positioned for an ongoing, permanent role at our organisation.

• To qualify for the Rotational Graduate Program, you must:
  • Be in your final year or recently finished a bachelor's or postgraduate degree. Of particular interest to us are degrees in:
    • Agricultural Science, Horticulture, Agribusiness, Business, with an interest in agriculture, and Science, with an interest in agriculture
• Hold a valid driver's licence (or will obtain by commencement date)
• Have your own personal reliable transport with relevant insurances
• Be ready and willing to relocate and work in different sites during the program, most of which are regional locations.
• Be ready, willing, and available to commence the Graduate Program.
• Must have full working rights in Australia.

We are seeking people who can demonstrate our core values: 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.

Applications close on September 28. The selection process will consist of video submissions, psychometric assessments and virtual interviews.