Farming Manager - FNQ

Costa is a global leading grower, packer and marketer of premium-quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on a commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability across every part of our business.

Costa’s Berry Category operates farms across Australia, producing premium-quality berries for customers and consumers. Our Far North Queensland operations form an important part of our growing network, supported by experienced farming, horticultural and technical teams.

Why Join Costa?

At Costa, our people are our strength. When you join us, you’ll enjoy:

• A key operational leadership role across Costa’s FNQ farms
• Competitive pay, supportive management and a great team culture
• Opportunities to grow your skills and career within a leading horticultural business
• Exposure to modern horticultural practices and production systems
• A diverse workforce in a dynamic farming environment

What we are looking for:

We’re seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead farming activities across multiple farms in Far North Queensland.

Reporting to the Regional Manager, this role is responsible for the safe and effective delivery of farming operations, including crop management, farm maintenance, harvest preparation and workforce coordination. You’ll provide visible leadership to farm-based teams while ensuring activities are completed safely, efficiently and in line with crop requirements and business priorities.

We’re looking for a practical and capable leader who can balance changing crop, workforce and seasonal priorities while maintaining consistent standards across multiple farms. Your ability to develop people, make sound operational decisions and build effective working relationships will be key to your success.

This is a permanent full-time, farm-based position located in Atherton. Regular travel between farms and flexibility to support seasonal workloads, harvest requirements and changing operational conditions will be required.

What you'll do:

• Lead and coordinate farming activities across multiple farms in the FNQ region
• Oversee crop management, farm maintenance, harvest preparation and seasonal farming activities
• Monitor crop health, fruit quality, yield forecasts and farm performance, addressing key risks as they arise
• Lead, coach and develop farm teams while supporting workforce planning and resource allocation
• Work closely with horticultural, irrigation, harvest and technical teams to deliver agreed crop and production plans
• Contribute to farm budgets, operational plans, forecasts and performance reporting
• Ensure all farming activities meet safety, food safety, quality, environmental and legislative requirements

What you'll bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing horticultural or agricultural farming activities
• Practical knowledge of crop production, crop protection and farm maintenance
• Experience leading and developing teams
• Strong planning, decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing farm expenditure, budgets and resources
• The ability to interpret production, quality, yield, labour and cost information
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Competence in Microsoft Office and relevant farm or business systems
• A strong commitment to workplace safety, food safety, quality and environmental responsibility
• Relevant chemical application accreditation, or the ability to obtain it
• The ability to travel regularly between farms across the FNQ operation

Berry or blueberry production experience will be highly regarded. Workplace health and safety, first aid or leadership training is also desirable.

Costa is seeking applicants who can demonstrate their behaviour in line with the Costa Values (About - Costa Group)

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so don’t wait. Apply today and grow your career with Costa!