Graduate - Plant Breeding

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 environment 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 2027 Graduate Intake close on September 16, 2026, with an anticipated start date of February 8, 2027. The selection process will consist of application questions, video submissions, psychometric assessments and interviews (virtual or in person).