Horticulture Grower – Avocados QLD

Horticulture Grower – Avocados QLD

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

We are currently seeking a Horticulture Grower to join our Costa Avocado Team, based in Childers, QLD. This role reports directly to the Regional Operations Manager.

About the Role:

The purpose of the Horticulture Grower role is to plan and coordinate all aspects of day-to-day avocado production from soil preparation to cultivation, irrigation, fertigation, pruning/thinning, and spraying, pest and weed control and harvest to ensure the highest possible yield and quality. The role is also responsible for managing the farm within budget parameters and achieving operational targets.

This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations. You will oversee and coordinate farming operations in alignment with safety, quality, and productivity standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively manage farm safety by identifying hazards, addressing unsafe practices, and collaborating with WHS and QA teams to ensure incidents are recorded and resolved.
• Oversee daily farming operations including fertigation, irrigation, harvesting, pruning, pest and disease control, and herbicide spraying.
• Manage site preparation to ensure optimal soil drainage and tree spacing.
• Conduct yield estimations and monitor factors impacting production.
• Perform monthly crop monitoring to align avocado production with harvest schedules.
• Maintain orchard hygiene through effective weed, pest, and disease control, including quarantine pest management.
• Monitor and record pest and disease activity, applying appropriate chemical or biological controls.
• Organise pruning, thinning, and other crop manipulation activities.
• Ensure spray programs are executed per company standards, with accurate record-keeping.
• Manage irrigation and water usage based on crop needs and availability.
• Utilise farm monitoring technology to inform decisions on irrigation, fertilisation, pest control, and crop health.
• Participate in crop estimates, harvest planning, and inventory management.
• Coordinate staff and seasonal labour across all production stages.
• Oversee harvest logistics including collection, grading, and packaging.
• Prepare and manage labour resources, operational budgets, monthly account reviews, and CapEx planning.
• Ensure equipment is fit for purpose through regular maintenance.
• Train staff on safety procedures, PPE use, and internal policies.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance productivity and efficiency.

About you:

•  A tertiary qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field is highly regarded.
•  At least 5 years of experience in agricultural or horticultural farm management.
•  Demonstrated experience in people leadership and workforce planning within a horticultural environment.
•  Strong understanding of key business drivers and cost management.
•  Excellent skills in planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
•  A results-driven mindset with a strong focus on operational excellence.
•  Well-developed negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage both internal and external stakeholders.
•  Proficient in the use of business software and systems, with strong time management and organizational skills.

What We Offer:

• Full Time employment. Salary range : ($110K - $130K)
• A role working within a collaborative environment with a team that has a high-performance mindset.
• Significant scope for growth and professional development within Costa.