Citrus Horticultural Graduate

We’re Costa. Australia’s leading grower, packer and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. From our farms to your door, we nurture our fruit and vegetables every step of the journey. We have operations in more than 60 rural and regional communities across Australia and in China and Morocco. Our produce includes avocados, bananas, berries, citrus, grapes, mushrooms and tomatoes.

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 ’25 intake automatically enrol in a development program, which aims to train and develop leaders of the future. As a cohort, you will be provided with hands-on and educational experience across the Costa Group. The program also offers unprecedented access to senior leaders to mentor and guide your course work.  

The three options for graduate roles are as follows: 

·       Rotational Graduate Program Positions: 18-month duration, comprised of 3 x 6-month rotations in 3 different produce categories at different locations.

·       Category Graduate Program Positions: 12-18 month duration, comprised of different experiences and/or rotations within one function or produce category.

·       Specialised Graduate Positions: these are ongoing graduate positions in some of the key talent growing hubs in our organisation.

We welcome applications for multiple of the positions available. You can indicate these preferences in your application.

About this position

The Citrus Horticultural Graduate is a Specialised Graduate position. As a graduate in this capacity, you will take a dedicated route within Costa’s Citrus Category. As a specialised graduate, you will kick-off your career with a dedicated set of responsibilities – under the guidance of experienced staff members.

The Citrus Horticultural Graduate will be responsible for supporting and implementing agronomy programs and innovation projects, which lead to improvements in yield, fruit quality and sustainability of our farming operations.

Key responsibilities will include collecting and analysing data for the development of best agronomic practices and commercial outcomes, and initiating, implementing, monitoring and assessing field trials. You will be required to undertake reviews of scientific literature relevant to projects, communicate best practice changes to agronomy teams and farm managers, and provide hands-on advice for their successful implementation.

This role also includes the undertaking of farm assessments and technical activities including crop estimates, leaf and soil sampling, fruit growth measurements and data analysis.

Your Opportunity

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

We care for our people

Successful applicants will receive a permanent contract with a competitive salary. If applicable, relocations support may be provided.

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 the Citrus Horticultural Graduate position, you must:

• Be in your final year or recently finished a Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. Of particular interest for Costa are degrees in: 
• Agricultural Science, with a focus on horticulture
• Horticulture
• Science, with agricultural/horticultural components
• Food Science
• Hold a driver’s licence
• Have your own personal reliable transport 
• From time to time, be willing to travel and work in different sites.
• Be ready, willing, and available to commence on 10 February 2025.

Program Timing and Process

Applications for the 2025 Graduate Intake close on 15 August 2024. The selection process will consist of video submissions, psychometric assessments and (virtual) interviews. 

More information about the Costa Graduate Programs and Positions is available here: https://costagroup.com.au/grow-your-career/graduateprogram/