Job Overview: Retail Associate I (Barista) – Sacred Grounds

Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska is seeking a dedicated and community-minded Barista for their Sacred Grounds locations in Juneau, AK. This role is more than a standard coffee service position; it is part of a “great place to work” that values tribal hospitality and provides a welcoming space for the Juneau community.

This position involves high-level espresso craft, food service, and operational maintenance. It is an ideal fit for a hospitality professional who enjoys a fast-paced environment and wants to contribute to the mission of the Tlingit & Haida Central Council.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

Specialty Beverage & Food Service

Espresso Craft: Expertly prepare and serve hot and cold beverages, including espresso drinks, blended coffees, and teas, according to standard recipes.
Service Excellence: Greet patrons, describe menu items, and provide detailed descriptions of coffee blends and preparation methods.
Food Coordination: Serve prepared foods using proper sanitation methods and monitor food orders to ensure timely delivery to customers.

Operational Upkeep

Sanitation & Safety: Clean and sanitize work areas, espresso equipment, and seating areas (indoor and outdoor). Maintain the “First-In, First-Out” (FIFO) method for food quality.
Technical Monitoring: Regularly check the temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, and heating equipment to ensure food safety and equipment health.
Merchandising: Post weekly specials, restock supplies (paper products, condiments), and manage the organization of retail products.

Financial Duties

Transaction Processing: Accurately receive and process customer payments using a Point of Sale (POS) system and maintain strict cash-handling standards.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Cash Management: Proven experience with register operations and cash handling.
Technical: Experience using Point of Sale (POS) systems.
Flexibility: Must be available to work a varying schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

Industry Tenure: Two years of experience in the food-service industry.
Specialized Experience: Prior experience as a barista in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Necessary Knowledge

In-depth knowledge of specialty coffee ingredients and commercial espresso equipment.
Mastery of safe food handling procedures and sanitation practices.

Salary, Schedule & Conditions

Hourly Wage: Starting at $17.34 + tips (Dependent on Experience).
Type: Non-Exempt, Full-time.
Location: Juneau, AK.
Physical Demands: Requires long hours of standing and moving. Must be able to carry up to 25 pounds. Work involves exposure to steam, hot surfaces, and potential slips/burns.
Conditions of Hire: * Employment is “at-will.”
- Must pass a pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screening.
- Must pass a federal criminal background check.

Why This Role?

Working at Sacred Grounds means being part of an organization that supports the tribal citizens of Southeast Alaska. The starting wage of $17.34 plus tips is highly competitive for the Juneau market. Furthermore, the emphasis on equipment maintenance and food safety provides a professional foundation for those looking to advance into hospitality management or technical food service roles.

Application Information

The position is “Open Until Filled.” Interested candidates should apply through the Central Council Tlingit & Haida career portal. Ensure your application highlights your specific experience with commercial espresso machines and your commitment to community-focused service.

Full Job Description

Tlingit & Haida is a federally recognized tribal government representing over 37,000 Tlingit and Haida citizens worldwide. Headquartered in Juneau, the Central Council operates a massive array of programs including family services, employment training, environmental protection, and tribal justice. Working here requires a commitment to the “Tribal Values” such as holding each other up, listening for loud voices, and pride in heritage. The organization is a major employer in Southeast Alaska and offers a professional environment rooted in indigenous sovereignty.

Typical Roles & Responsibilities:

Family & Social Services: Managing caseloads for ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) cases, providing elder support, or coordinating Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
Public Safety & Justice: Serving as a Tribal Citizen Navigator, working within the Tribal Court system, or supporting the Re-entry program for formerly incarcerated citizens.
Vocational Training: Assisting citizens with job placement, resume building, and coordinating higher education grants or vocational scholarships.
Environmental & Cultural Stewardship: Working on climate change mitigation, traditional food security programs, or Native lands management.
Administrative Support: Providing high-level coordination for tribal departments, managing grant reporting, and assisting with large-scale tribal events like Tribal Assembly.

Qualifications:

Indian Preference: Tlingit & Haida practices Indian Preference in hiring per PL 93-638. Applicants are encouraged to identify their tribal affiliation.
Education: Requirements vary from a High School Diploma for entry-level roles to Master’s degrees for clinical or legal positions.
Cultural Competency: A deep understanding of Southeast Alaska Native cultures and the unique history of the Tlingit and Haida people.
Requirements: Ability to pass a thorough background check (especially for roles involving children or vulnerable adults) and a pre-employment drug screen.

Company Benefits:

Retirement: 401(k) plan with a generous employer match (historically up to 12% in total contributions).
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO) and 14+ paid holidays, including Alaska Day and Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.
Professional Development: Strong emphasis on training, leadership workshops, and educational assistance for employees.

To apply for this job please visit tlingitandhaida.gov.