Senior Horticulturist | Berry | Tasmania

at  Costa

Costa Pty Ltd Berry Category is Australia’s largest berry producer with multiple sites located across Australia. Costa grows and markets blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries.
Costa’s berry category is proudly at the forefront of genetic and growing innovation. We grow significant volumes of fruit to supply major retailers in the country so food quality and safety is paramount. In all that we grow, we’re committed to sustainable production and growing.
The Tasmanian operation is looking for an experienced Senior Horticulturist’s to join the Costa team. This is a permanent role based in Tasmania looking after the Five berry farms we have within the region, Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries.
This role will provide a national focus and coordinate the dissemination and transfer of information to the region’s Horticultural team. The role provides high-level horticultural support to the Farm Management and Harvest teams and assists with the development and delivery of business-wide strategy in the region.
Facilitating visits from national and international stakeholders will be an important focus, as will strengthening relationships with some of Costa’s key stakeholders.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• Serve as a key member of the Tasmanian Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and overall leadership.
• Collaborate closely with the Horticultural team to oversee daily operations, including irrigation, nutrition management, pest and disease control, crop planting, pruning, training, maintenance, and weed control.
• Partner with regional stakeholders such as Farm Managers, Operations staff, and Harvest teams to coordinate and optimise horticultural activities.
• Organise and facilitate training sessions, development programs, and field walks for the Horticultural team to foster knowledge sharing and teamwork.
• Manage the ongoing development of production models and crop volume predictions, ensuring adherence to established forecasting processes.
• Support and promote improved environmental management practices and sustainability initiatives across all farms.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including nursery supply partners.
• Represent the Tasmanian Horticultural team at a national level, participate in national horticultural meetings, and report on crop anomalies and budget variations to the Senior Leadership Team and National level.
• Oversee the preparation and review of end-of-season crop reports and facilitate visits from national and international stakeholders and guests as needed.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to coordinate plant orders for the region.

SOME KEY CHALLENGES IN THIS ROLE ARE;

• Maintaining, and further developing, a motivated team with excellent culture
• Maintaining the inclusive team culture with excellent communication methods and values
• Driving on-farm efficiencies and improving productivity
• Providing tailored support to the Horticultural Team and Operations Manager

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility for supporting and complying with the Costa Group Work Health and Safety Policy, including the maintenance of a safe and healthy workplace for the protection of all employees.