Farming Manager - FNQ

Costa Group; Atherton, Walkamin; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Costa Group is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead farming activities across multiple farms in Far North Queensland. Reporting to the Regional Manager, you’ll ensure safe, efficient crop management, farm maintenance, harvest prep and workforce coordination, across the FNQ region.

You will balance crop, workforce and seasonal priorities, develop people, and build strong relationships to meet production plans while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Experience managing horticultural or agricultural farming activities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Commitment to workplace safety, food safety, quality and environmental responsibility.
• Chemical application accreditation, or ability to obtain it.
• Ability to travel regularly between FNQ farms.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Farming management

Crop production

Team leadership

Budget management

Safety compliance

Stakeholder management

Microsoft Office

Farm systems

Travel between farms

Job description

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

Costa’s Berry Category operates farms across Australia,producing premium-quality berries for customers and consumers. Our Far NorthQueensland operations form an important part of our growing network, supportedby 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’sFNQ farms
• Competitive pay, supportive management and a greatteam culture
• Opportunities to grow your skills and career withina leading horticultural business
• Exposure to modern horticultural practices andproduction systems
• A diverse workforce in a dynamic farmingenvironment

What we are looking for:

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

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

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

This is a permanent full-time, farm-based position locatedin Atherton. Regular travel between farms and flexibility to support seasonalworkloads, harvest requirements and changing operational conditions will berequired.

What you'll do:

• Lead and coordinate farming activities acrossmultiple farms in the FNQ region
• Oversee crop management, farm maintenance, harvestpreparation and seasonal farming activities
• Monitor crop health, fruit quality, yield forecastsand farm performance, addressing key risks as they arise
• Lead, coach and develop farm teams while supportingworkforce 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, foodsafety, quality, environmental and legislative requirements

What you'll bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing horticultural oragricultural farming activities
• Practical knowledge of crop production, cropprotection and farm maintenance
• Experience leading and developing teams
• Strong planning, decision-making andproblem-solving skills
• Experience managing farm expenditure, budgets andresources
• The ability to interpret production, quality,yield, labour and cost information
• Strong communication and stakeholder managementskills
• Competence in Microsoft Office and relevant farm orbusiness systems
• A strong commitment to workplace safety, foodsafety, quality and environmental responsibility
• Relevant chemical application accreditation, or theability to obtain it
• The ability to travel regularly between farmsacross the FNQ operation

Berry or blueberry production experience will be highlyregarded. Workplace health and safety, first aid or leadership training is alsodesirable.

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

Location: Queensland, Atherton/Mareeba, Walkamin

Growing fresh, nutritious produce loved by all