Spanish for Orchard Managers
Dates & Times:
- Class Sessions: Tuesdays, January 13 – February 10, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Field Trip: Saturday, February 14, 2025 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Location: Columbia Gorge Community College – Hood River Campus
Target Audience: Orchard managers, farm owners, and supervisors. All Spanish langauge skill levels are welcome. Course material will be adjusted to participants’ language levels.
Course Description:
This 6-week interactive course equips orchard managers and supervisors with the Spanish language skills needed to communicate effectively with their crews. Each week blends key functional phrases, cultural insights, and leadership strategies to help managers foster respect, clarity, and efficiency in the workplace.
Students will learn how to:
- Greet and build rapport with Spanish-speaking crews.
- Give clear instructions on orchard maintenance, harvesting, safety, and schedules.
- Use essential vocabulary for tools, equipment, and crop quality.
- Apply leadership and cultural best practices in daily operations.
- Handle emergencies with simple, effective Spanish commands.
A Saturday field trip to a local orchard provides the opportunity to experience real-world application of course material — giving directions, checking fruit quality, reinforcing safety, and practicing leadership phrases in a live setting. By the end of the course, participants will have a foundation of practical Spanish for orchard operations, as well as cultural and leadership skills to strengthen communication and team success.
Instructor Bio – Jaime Rivera
Jaime Rivera is a lifelong Hood River Valley resident with deep roots in the local agricultural community. The son of career orchard workers, Jaime began his own work experience in the orchards, giving him first hand understanding of farm operations. He is the owner of Gorge Interpreting and Translating, where he provides bilingual services for organizations such as the Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District, City of Hood River, and several area non-profits.
With over 15 years of experience in education, recreation, and community engagement, Jaime currently serves as Recreation Supervisor for Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District. He has also worked as a Graduation Coach and Family Engagement Specialist for the Migrant Education Program and as a coach and Athletic Director in local schools.
