National Agronomist - AvocadosCosta 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.Costa's Avocado category is a leading avocado grower and marketer within Australia. We have farms located in Childers and the Atherton region, Queensland; Mid North Coast, New South Wales; and the Riverland, South Australia. We grow our own avocados on over 700 hectares and source from other quality growers from more than 45 Australian farms. Costa grows and markets Hass, Shepard, and Maluma avocados along with other unique varieties.Costa is the only company that grows, sources, ripens, and sells avocados in one national supply chain, giving us far greater control over the quality of fruit supplied. Our avocados are grown year-round and are sold under the Lovacado Brand.We are looking for a National Agronomist to join our Costa Avocado Team in Queensland. This role will report to the National Farming Manager - Avocado and Bananas.About The RoleThe National Agronomist supports the Regional Agronomist by focusing on the development, review, and monitoring of agronomic and technical programs and management strategies in collaboration with National Farming Manager, Regional Operations Managers, Agronomists and Consultants. The goal is to achieve maximum yields without compromising optimal quality and size, ultimately maximizing returns per hectare. This role requires working across all sites within the category and fostering collaborative relationships among regions to ensure consistency of practices as needed.Some Of The Key ResponsibilitiesCreate (in alignment to category plans), monitor and adhere to 5-year farming strategy (farm regeneration/replanting, top working, trials and new initiatives). This includes Avocado Substrate.Oversee the agronomy budgets in line with the needs of the business. Focus on longer term CAPEX to help grow the category and bring Ag tech efficiencies.Implement agronomic and technical programs and management strategies. Agronomic programs include pruning, pollination, nutrition, pest & disease monitoring & management, irrigation & PGR's in order to maximise fruit yield and quality.Remain engaged across industry bodies and technical groups to foster new initiatives and developments across the Avocado growing groups.Development and driving new initiatives across the existing orchards within the category by promoting continual research and development.Development of the talent base by role modelling a positive leadership style and coaching to improve performance of Agronomy across all regions.Ensuring compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards.Environmental and societal responsibility focus (move towards industry leadership on environmental concerns, waste management and farming waste practices).About YouTo be successful in this role you will have demonstrated experience in a similar role as well as:Degree or Diploma in Horticulture or equivalent.Broad agronomic knowledge of horticultural production and continuous improvement principles.At least 10 years agronomy experience.Operational management within a large organisation, demonstrating strong business acumen.Ability to work effectively in a team environment and with all levels of an organisation and the ability to lead and develop a team.Understanding of key business and cost drivers.Ability to plan and make decisions.Strong focus on achieving results.Good computer and time management skills.Understanding of horticultural process and systems, continuous improvement principles and supply chain process.What We OfferPermanent, fulltime position with an attractive remuneration package.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.For more information about this role or to have a confidential discussion please email #J-18808-Ljbffr
