Plant Breeding Support Technician - FNQ

Plant Breeding Support Technician - FNQ

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Plant Breeding Support Technician to join our team in Far North Queensland. This role will involve providing essential technical support to our plant breeding program, focusing on data collection, analysis, and field operations.

What We Offer

A full-time permanent opportunity with a competitive base salary + superannuation.  

• Leadership Development: We offer opportunities for continuous learning, development, and advancement in your Horticultural career. 
• Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and prioritize work-life balance, providing you with the support you need to balance your personal and professional life.
• Resources: A full IT kit is provided, ensuring you have the tools necessary for success.
• Team Environment: Learn from a passionate Horticulture Manager and Team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist plant breeders in evaluating seedlings and selecting superior varieties.
• Coordinate and oversee harvest and sample collection processes of trial blocks.
• Conduct thorough fruit evaluations and post-harvest assessments.
• Collect accurate data from trial blocks for selections and seedlings.
• Efficiently input and manage data using specialized software.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as refractometers and Firmtech.
• Collaborate with the plant breeding team to ensure successful field trial management.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard proprietary varieties.
• Assist with planting and maintenance of trial blocks.
• Undertake various administrative tasks as required.
• Collaborating with the FNQ horticulture team to support general horticultural operations.

Skills and Experience:

Education: Relevant qualifications in Agricultural Science/Horticulture/Biology would be highly valued

Technical Support: Proven experience in a technical support role, ideally within an agricultural or scientific research context.

Applied Research: Prior experience in applied research settings is highly valued.

Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and a technical aptitude for accurate data entry and analysis.

Self-Motivation: Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively, within a field environment.

Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders. Ability to collaborate with team members via Teams and email.

Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Values Centric: Showcase values-based behaviour in your approach to safety, emphasizing integrity, collaboration, and commitment. Learn more about Costa Values here: https://costagroup.com.au/about-us/values/

Ready to shape the future of farming with us? Please submit your CV for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link.  We deal with a high volume of applications and your patience is appreciated. Please note only short-listed applicants will be contacted. 

About Costa

Costa is Australia’s leading grower, packer and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables.  We nurture our people, cultivate our growing sites and invest in ongoing research and development. 

All the products we grow, and sell are fresh, nutritious, unprocessed and grown on our very own farms or those of our partner growers.

The Costa Berry Category is at the forefront of genetic growing and innovation.  We export to some of the most demanding markets in the world, so food safety is paramount.  In all that we grow, we are committed to sustainable production and growing.

People are at the heart of the Costa business and across our regions we are a major employer with more than 6,000 workers during our peak seasons.

Interested in learning more about Costa? Visit our website to find out more www.costagroup.com.au