AddressCosta is a global leading grower, packer and marketer of premium quality fresh produce with farming operations across three continents. We nurture our people, cultivate our growing sites and invest in ongoing research and development.
We are currently looking for a Nursery Manager to manage the Variety Improvement nursery facility located in Corindi, NSW.
The Berry International Division comprises berry farming in Morocco (product exported to Europe, UK and Asia) and China (product sold in China). Also licensing of our proprietary blueberry varieties across several regions, including the Americas and Africa.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated horticulture professional to play a pivotal role in our continued success.
THE ROLE:
The primary purpose of the Nursery Manager is to manage the Variety Improvement nursery facility to ensure that a high-quality supply of plant material is available to support the breeding and testing program and processes on an annual basis.
The Nursery Manager will also need to have a passion for continuous improvement and investigate and implement new strategies to improve capacity and quality of plant material available for the breeding program’s evaluation.
Key accountabilities and responsibilities of the role:
- Manage the nursery team and propagation operations on site
- Manage the plant propagation processes so that target number of plants are achieved each year
- Effective management of plant propagation performance including the operation of the glasshouse propagation unit, growing on areas, and further nursery operations.
- Management of irrigation and plant growth processes to ensure a high level of performance
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to deliver high quality seedlings and selections, on schedule, and in accordance with specifications and quantities ordered
- Create and manage effective plans to achieve business objectives
- Effectively leading and managing the nursery team in the day to day running of the nursery supply program
- Contribute to planning activities conducted by internal stakeholders
- Support and train nursery staff to ensure the development of new talents for future succession
- Resolve technical problems in any of the systems in the Nursery in a timely manner
- Manage annual preventative maintenance of nursery facilities and assets including on-going calibration programs required to maintain performance.
- Control stock and nursery inputs and produce reports on inventory of stock
- Contribute to the design and implementation of R&D projects to test new technologies, resolve horticultural challenges and develop new strategies of improving propagation of plants in the Nursery.
ABOUT YOU:
The successful candidate needs to be able to demonstrate high levels of commitment and performance and will have;
- Proven technical skills in Intensive horticulture, preferably with relevant skills in Nursery Operations or plant propagation
- Minimum requirement for previous experience in intensive horticulture (soilless /substrate production systems and plants (Min 2 years)
- Thorough understanding of irrigation infrastructure, design and environmental control systems
- Proficiency and experience in managing protective cropping horticulture (plant growth units and or structures)
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage people
- Project management skills
- Negotiation and influencing skills with internal & external stakeholders
- Possesses effective communication skills in both verbal and written forms
- Effective time management
- Understanding of core financial management and ability to manage the cost control measure and budgeting within the business unit operation
- Outcome focused and a passion for continuous improvement
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and open to collaboration within all levels of an organisation
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Permanent, full time position with an attractive remuneration package
- An exciting and varied role, working in a global orientated business environment
- A role working within a collaborative environment with a team that has a high-performance mindset
- An opportunity to learn from an expert team who are generous with sharing their knowledge, and the benefit to leverage Costa’s extensive network of collaborative partners in the berry industry.
- Significant scope for growth and professional development within Costa
Check out “Costa Well Grown” at https://vimeo.com/333655457
If you are a results-oriented and motivated horticulture professional seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications via the "apply now" link.
Deadline for Applications: Sunday, 2 June 2024
Costa is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
