Berry International Horticultural Graduate Program null

Your role

The Berry International Horticultural Graduate Program is an 18-month Category Graduate Program position. Upon successful completion, the candidate will likely be placed in-country for the Berries International Category (currently Berry International Operations are located in China and Morocco). The program commences in Coffs Harbour, NSW and may include at least one international placement in one of Costa's overseas operations.

In this role, the graduate will work closely with the Horticultural Manager/s to support crop operations monitoring. This could include fertigation and nutrition management, irrigation agronomy and management, substrate management, canopy management, and plant health (Pest & Disease), including Integrated Pest Management. They will also likely support the grower base in integrating preharvest and postharvest activities to optimize yield and quality.

The program involves assisting in the evaluation of existing Berry International programs, as well as developing and initiating activities to capture and improve crop performance and continuous improvement. The graduate will also have the opportunity to undertake research and development activities.

A major component of this program is providing horticultural support at a National/International level, including support with the development of farms in international locations. This may involve assisting in project/site evaluation appraisal in new countries and territories. As such, the role requires travel and possibly extended periods working outside of Australia.

The 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

About you

To qualify for the Berry International Horticultural Graduate positions, you must:

• Be in your final year or have recently finished a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. Of particular interest for Costa are degrees in: 
  • Agricultural Science
  • Horticulture
  • Agribusiness
  • Business, with an interest in agriculture
  • Science, with an interest in agriculture
• Hold a driver’s licence
• Have your own personal reliable transport 
• Be ready and willing to relocate and work in different locations during the program, including Coffs Harbour and across Costa’s International Operations (regional International locations)
• Be ready, willing, and available to commence the Graduate Program on 10 February 2025

Whilst not a requirement, Costa very much welcomes the application of candidates with an ability to, or interest in speaking other languages, such as Standard Chinese, Mandarin, Arabic, and French.

Compensation & benefits

Successful applicants will receive a fixed-term 18-month contract with a competitive salary.

People are the heart of Costa. Their 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. If applicable, subsidised accommodation will be arranged by the company prior to commencement.

Training, development & rotations

The Rotational Graduate Program offers participants the chance to experience diverse areas of the horticulture industry. Over three rotations, participants will be placed in different regions and business categories, gaining exposure to a wide variety of produce such as citrus, grapes, berries, avocados, bananas, mushrooms, and tomatoes. They will be integrated into teams focused on horticulture, agronomy, growing, harvesting, irrigation, and/or safety and quality. This comprehensive program provides a strong foundation for a successful career in horticulture.

To learn more about the Costa Graduate Program, watch this video here.

Career progression

Upon successful completion, the candidate will likely be placed in-country for the Berries International Category (currently Berry International Operations are located in China and Morocco). 

Source

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• costagroup.com.au/grow-your-career/graduateprogram/
• costagroup.com.au/grow-your-career/visa-information/