Horticultural Farm Managers

Costa Group is Australia’s largest horticultural company and Australia’s leading grower, packer, marketer and exporter of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. We are the market leaders in Australian citrus, berries, avocado, grapes, mushrooms, tomatoes and bananas. 

We are seeking experienced Horticulture Farm Managers to join our team in Mildura, VIC. 

This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing and managing all production processes on our citrus farms to maximise crop yields, prioritise fruit quality, and ensure operational efficiency while fostering a positive and productive work environment. 

The role encompasses the day-to-day strategic management of all production activities on our farms including: planning production details including costs, time and labour required, developing and implementing strategic production plan to improve citrus yield and minimise costs, monitoring production output and costs and adjusting plan as appropriate, researching new production methods to improve yield, supervising staff, coordinating maintenance and repair of plant and machinery. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement strategic farm production plan to improve yield and minimise costs. 
• Plan details of production activities including, costs, time, labour required;
• Develop crop estimates and monitor production output and costs; 
• Adjust production plan and processes as appropriate to minimise costs; 
• Plan annual harvest program including scheduling harvest labour; 
• Research the latest production methods to improve yield and minimise costs; 
• Ensure farms operate within a planned budget and make a concerted effort to reduce expenses and proactively report variances or unexpected cost incursions.
• Assist the Regional Operations Manager to identify and prioritise costs and capex within budget constraints; 
• Ensure all farm assets and equipment are maintained in accordance with company standards; 
• Coach staff on safety standards, performance objectives and respectful conduct including undertaking performance management and/or disciplinary process for poor performance or non-compliance. 

The Horticulture Farm Manager will be responsible for implementing best practice horticultural standards and practices in a safe, timely and cost effective manner with adequate controls embedded and vigilantly monitored so issues are proactively resolved to avoid damage or material loss.

Skills & Experience

• Diploma or Certificate IV in Horticulture is preferred 
• Minimum 3 years farm management experience in large scale horticultural business 
• Proven experience and expertise in crop management – citrus/avocado preferred
• Operating knowledge of irrigation/nutrient management and pest and disease control methods. 
• Proficiency in facilities and equipment management. 

Salary & Benefits

• Annual salary: $100,000 - $120,000 plus overtime and superannuation.
• Opportunity to work with a respected agribusiness in Mildura, VIC.
• Genuine career growth opportunities. 
• On the job training and professional development opportunities.
• A positive, inclusive and safety-first company culture.

About Us 

At Costa, we celebrate our people as the foundation of our business and live by our values of Passion, Determination, Accountability, Sincerity and Respect. We take pride in our strong safety culture and strive to ensure every employee has a safe work environment while delivering the quality and service we are known for.

By joining Costa, you become part of a team passionate about growing healthy, nutritious premium produce. With operations across more than 30 rural and regional communities in Australia, as well as in China and Morocco, we are proud of the positive impact we have in the communities where we live and work.