Job Overview: Barista (Kodiak, AK)

This position, listed via CoolWorks, offers a unique opportunity to live and work in the stunning coastal environment of Kodiak, Alaska. As a Barista for this organization, you are the face of the café, responsible for providing high-quality beverages and exceptional service to both locals and visitors in a “Great Place” setting.

This role is highly operational, involving everything from drink craft to inventory management and financial close-outs. It is ideal for someone who enjoys a structured environment and is interested in the intersection of hospitality and community service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Beverage Craft & Service

Quality Preparation: Prepare and serve a full menu of hot and cold specialty drinks and café food items.
Customer Interaction: Actively service customers, take orders, and provide a positive experience for all stakeholders.
Financial Oversight: Process payments, handle cash registers, perform end-of-shift close-outs, and prepare bank deposit drops.

Operations & Maintenance

Inventory Control: Replenish coffee bean supplies, stock brewing equipment, and proactively inform supervisors of inventory needs.
Equipment Care: Follow operating instructions, troubleshoot minor breakdowns, and perform preventive maintenance to keep the café running smoothly.
Sanitization: Maintain a clean and sanitized work area, including service and seating areas, utensils, and equipment.

Qualifications & Skills

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: At least one year of retail, hospitality, or food service experience.
Certifications: Must possess a valid Food Handlers Certification.
Licensing: Valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured under the organization’s policy.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Experience: 1–3+ years in customer service or hospitality.
Cultural Competency: Demonstrated understanding of the social and cultural needs of the Alaska Native/American Indian community.

Core Skills

Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with a courteous and positive personality.
Numeracy: Good literacy and math skills for accurate cash handling and inventory tracking.
Adaptability: Ability to problem-solve quickly and multi-task in a moderate-paced environment.
Physicality: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.

Why This Role?

Kodiak is known for its rugged beauty and close-knit community. Working in a café that values the cultural needs of the Alaska Native community adds a layer of meaningful connection to the standard barista role. The inclusion of inventory management and bank deposit responsibilities also makes this an excellent stepping stone for anyone looking to move into assistant management or administrative roles in the future.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the CoolWorks platform or directly via the employer’s portal (Job ID: #J-18808). Be sure to highlight your availability for evenings and weekends, as flexibility is a key requirement for this position.

Full Job Description

CoolWorks is a specialized job board that connects “adventure seekers” with seasonal roles in national parks, wilderness lodges, and remote Alaskan outposts. In Kodiak, these jobs are typically found in remote fishing lodges or wilderness retreats (like those on Raspberry Island or the west side of Kodiak Island). These roles are ideal for individuals who want to live and work in the “Emerald Isle” of Alaska, surrounded by rugged coastline and world-class wildlife.

Typical Roles & Responsibilities:

Lodge Operations: Performing high-turnover housekeeping for guest rooms, managing laundry, and maintaining the cleanliness of common areas and dining halls.
Guest Services: Acting as a server or bartender during family-style meals, assisting with luggage, and providing local information on hiking and wildlife.
Kitchen Support: Assisting the Lodge Chef with meal prep, dishwashing, and organizing inventory in remote settings where supplies are limited.
Outdoor Instruction: Leading guided hikes, assisting with kayak launches, or coordinating “bear viewing” excursions for guests.
Maintenance & Grounds: Keeping the lodge exterior, docks, and utility systems (often off-grid hydro or solar) in working order.

Qualifications:

The “CoolWorks” Mindset: A strong desire to live in a remote, communal environment and a “team-first” attitude.
Commitment: Ability to work the full summer season (typically mid-May through mid-September).
Experience: Previous hospitality or outdoor guiding experience is preferred, but “entry-level” adventurers with high energy and a strong work ethic are often hired.
Certifications: CPR and First Aid are frequently required; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is highly valued for guide-heavy roles.
Physicality: Ability to work long hours on your feet and perform physical tasks in variable, often wet, weather conditions.

Compensation & “Great Place” Perks:

Room & Board: Most remote Kodiak positions include subsidized or free housing and chef-prepared meals, significantly reducing living expenses.
Tips: Service-heavy roles (Servers/Guides) often receive significant tips from lodge guests at the end of their stay.
Adventure Access: Access to world-class fishing, kayaking, and hiking during off-hours, often using company gear.
Travel Stipend: Some employers offer a bonus or stipend to help cover the cost of a bush plane or ferry from Anchorage to Kodiak.

To apply for this job please visit www.coolworks.com.