Costa is a global leading grower, packer and marketer of premiumquality fresh produce with farming operations across three continents. We nurture our people, cultivate our growing sites and invest inongoing research and development.

We are currently looking for a NurseryManager to manage the Variety Improvement nursery facility located in Corindi,NSW.

The Berry International Divisioncomprises berry farming in Morocco (product exported to Europe, UK and Asia)and China (product sold in China). Also licensing of our proprietary blueberryvarieties across several regions, including the Americas and Africa.

This is an exciting opportunity for adedicated horticulture professional to play a pivotal role in our continuedsuccess.

THEROLE:

The primary purpose of the NurseryManager is to manage the Variety Improvement nursery facility to ensure that ahigh-quality supply of plant material is available to support the breeding andtesting program and processes on an annual basis.

The Nursery Manager will also need tohave a passion for continuous improvement and investigate and implement newstrategies to improve capacity and quality of plant material available for thebreeding program’s evaluation.

Key accountabilities andresponsibilities of the role:

• Manage the nursery team and propagationoperations on site
• Manage the plant propagation processes so thattarget number of plants are achieved each year
• Effective management of plant propagationperformance including the operation of the glasshouse propagation unit, growingon areas, and further nursery operations.
• Management of irrigation and plant growthprocesses to ensure a high level of performance
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to deliverhigh quality seedlings and selections, on schedule, and in accordance withspecifications and quantities ordered
• Create and manage effective plans to achievebusiness objectives
• Effectively leading and managing the nurseryteam in the day to day running of the nursery supply program
• Contribute to planning activities conducted byinternal stakeholders
• Support and train nursery staff to ensure thedevelopment of new talents for future succession
• Resolve technical problems in any of thesystems in the Nursery in a timely manner
• Manage annual preventative maintenance ofnursery facilities and assets including on-going calibration programs requiredto maintain performance.
• Control stock and nursery inputs and producereports on inventory of stock
• Contribute to the design and implementation ofR&D projects to test new technologies, resolve horticultural challenges anddevelop new strategies of improving propagation of plants in the Nursery

ABOUTYOU:

The successfulcandidate needs to be able to demonstrate high levels of commitment andperformance and will have;

• Proven technical skills in Intensivehorticulture, preferably with relevant skills in Nursery Operations or plantpropagation
• Minimum requirement for previous experience inintensive horticulture (soilless /substrate production systems and plants (Min2 years)
• Thorough understanding of irrigationinfrastructure, design and environmental control systems
• Proficiency and experience in managingprotective cropping horticulture (plant growth units and or structures)
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and managepeople
• Negotiation and influencing skills withinternal & external stakeholders
• Possesses effective communication skills inboth verbal and written forms
• Effective time management
• Understanding of core financial management andability to manage the cost control measure and budgeting within the businessunit operation
• Outcome focused and a passion for continuousimprovement
• Ability to work effectively in a teamenvironment and open to collaboration within all levels of an organisation

WHATWE OFFER:

• Permanent, full time position withan attractive remuneration package
• An exciting and varied role,working in a global orientated business environment
• A role working within acollaborative environment with a team that has a high-performance mindset
• An opportunity to learn from anexpert team who are generous with sharing their knowledge, and the benefitto leverage Costa’s extensive network of collaborative partners in theberry industry.
• Significant scope for growth andprofessional development within Costa

If you are a results-oriented and motivated horticulture professional seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications via the "apply now" link.

Deadline for Applications: Sunday, 2 June2024

Costa is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.