Overview:
BluGenix
is the blueberry genetics and breeding business unit within Costa Group, one of
the world's leading fresh produce companies and a major global berry producer.
Costa
grows and markets premium produce across Australia and internationally, with
berry operations spanning Australia, China, Laos and Morocco.
Launched
from Costa's world-leading blueberry breeding program, BluGenix combines
science, innovation and grower expertise to develop exclusive blueberry
varieties that deliver exceptional flavour, quality, resilience and performance
across diverse growing environments.
Our breeding program is driven by a deep
understanding of both grower needs and consumer expectations, ensuring every
variety delivers value from farm to market.
As part of the Costa Group family, BluGenix offers the
agility and innovation of a specialised genetics program, backed by the scale,
resources and global reach of an international horticultural leader.
We are
seeking a motivated graduate to join our International Berries team based in
Corindi, NSW.
This is a full time, fixed-term 18-month opportunity where you'll
combine structured development with hands-on experience in a world-class berry
breeding program.
This is a unique opportunity to launch your career in commercial plant breeding, working alongside experienced breeders and technical specialists who are developing the next generation of blueberry varieties for Australia and international markets.
Through innovation and plant breeding, Costa is helping develop berry varieties that improve fruit quality, productivity and sustainability, supporting the future of food production both in Australia and globally.
About
this position:
As a Graduate, you'll play a hands-on role supporting
Costa's breeding activities across field, greenhouse, nursery and laboratory
environments.
You'll contribute to breeding trials, collect and analyse data,
assess plant and fruit performance, and support the development of new berry
varieties that deliver improved quality, yield and resilience.
Along the way, you'll build practical skills in a leading horticultural workplace
while making a real contribution to the future of Costa's berry business.
Duties
may include, but are not limited to:
Supporting field and greenhouse breeding trials,




including planting, trial set-up and maintenance
Collecting, recording and analysing data relating
to plant performance, fruit quality and yield
Assisting with harvesting, phenotyping and
assessment of breeding material
Processing seed, fruit and tissue samples for
testing, storage and evaluation
Supporting laboratory activities such as fruit
quality assessments and sample preparation
Maintaining accurate records using breeding
databases and digital data collection tools
Assisting with pest and disease monitoring,
irrigation checks and general crop management activities
Working with experienced breeding and research
teams to continuously improve breeding processes and outcomes.
Why
join us?
We
care for our people.
People are the heart of Costa.
Our
employees enjoy some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry.
From
competitive pay to health, well-being, and further learning and development
opportunities.
No matter the role, you'll always benefit from a caring
environment that encourages and supports you to thrive, grow and connect.
As
a graduate with Costa, you'll automatically be enrolled in our Graduate
Development Program, designed to develop future leaders and innovators across
our business.
You'll gain exposure to senior leaders, technical experts and
fellow graduates while building practical skills in a real-world commercial
environment.
You'll
also benefit from:
Structured graduate development and
leadership training
Exposure to one of Australia's leading
horticultural research and breeding programs
Mentoring from experience technical and operational leaders
Access to senior leaders, external facilitators and a network of current and former graduates
Meaningful work that contributes to the
future of fresh food production
A pathway to build a long-term career
within Costa
About
you:
We're looking for graduates who are curious, adaptable and




passionate about science and agriculture.
You will ideally have recently
completed (or be in your final year of) a degree in:
Plant Science
Agricultural Science
Horticulture
Genetics
Biotechnology
Crop Science
Agricultural Biotechnology
Or a related discipline.
You will also:
Demonstrate a genuine interest in plant breeding, crop improvement
or horticultural innovation
Be physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather
conditions
Enjoy hands-on field and laboratory work
Have strong organisational skills and an interest in working with
data, technology and digital record-keeping systems
Demonstrate strong observational skills, attention to detail and a
commitment to data accuracy
Communicate effectively and work collaboratively while also
managing tasks independently
Be adaptable and resilient when managing competing priorities
Be open to relocation and working across different Costa growing
regions when required
Be flexible to support seasonal activities and peak operational
periods when required
Hold a current driver's licence and have your own vehicle
Demonstrate a strong commitment to building a long-term
career with a large multi-national organisation
Have full Australian working rights.
We are seeking people who can
demonstrate Costa's core values.
These are: Determination,
Accountability, Passion, Respect and Sincerity.
If you're
ready to apply your scientific knowledge in a commercial environment and help
develop the berry varieties of the future, we'd love to hear from you.
Program
Timing and Process:
Accessibility
and Inclusion: At Costa, we value diversity and are
committed to providing an inclusive recruitment experience.
If you require any
adjustments or support throughout the application, assessment or interview
process, please let us know.
We're happy to work with you to ensure you have
every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience and potential.
Applications
for the **** Graduate Intake close on September 16, ****,
with an anticipated start date of February 8, ****.
The
selection process will consist of application questions, video submissions,
psychometric assessments and interviews (virtual or in person).

📌 Graduate - Plant Breeding (Coffs Harbour)
🏢 Costa's
📍 Coffs Harbour