Job Overview: Starbucks Lead Barista (College, AK)

The Kroger Co. (operating as Fred Meyer) is seeking a professional and community-minded Lead Barista for their Starbucks kiosk in College, Alaska. This is a leadership-oriented role that combines high-level coffee craft with departmental oversight. As a “Lead,” you are responsible for maintaining the “Human Spirit” through exceptional service while ensuring the kiosk meets strict Starbucks and Kroger operational standards.

This position is ideal for an experienced barista looking to step into a supervisory capacity within a stable, corporate retail environment that offers significant long-term career support.

Key Responsibilities & Leadership Duties

Service & Quality Excellence

Surpassing Standards: Ensure every customer receives prompt, high-quality coffee selection and preparation, exceeding baseline service expectations.
Core Values: Act as a role model for the team by demonstrating the company’s values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, and inclusion.
Brand Integrity: Maintain the “Third Place” environment that Starbucks is known for, even within a busy retail grocery setting.

Departmental Oversight

Condition Monitoring: Proactively monitor the total department’s conditions—including cleanliness, stock levels, and equipment functionality.
Follow-Through: Take direct action to resolve issues and maintain standards, ensuring the kiosk is always “audit-ready” and appealing to guests.
Safety: Enforce strict safety and sanitation protocols to protect both associates and customers.

Comprehensive Benefits (The Kroger “Feed Your Future” Package)

Kroger provides a robust suite of benefits designed to support an associate’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Education & Career Growth

Tuition Reimbursement: Up to 10% of your career potential can be funded with $21,000 in tuition reimbursement through their industry-leading Continuing Education program.
Growth Pathways: Access to vast training programs and clear career pathways into store management or specialized retail leadership.

Health & Wellness

Full Coverage: Access to affordable medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
Emotional Support: Free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Time Off: Paid time off, including holiday and sick pay (based on eligibility and length of service).

Financial Support

Coaching: Free, confidential financial tools and coaching provided by Goldman Sachs Ayco.
Associate Discounts: Significant savings on groceries, travel, technology, and more.

Why This Role?

The “College” neighborhood of Fairbanks/College, AK, is a vibrant area with a consistent flow of students and faculty. This role offers the prestige of a Starbucks leadership position backed by the massive infrastructure of Kroger. The $21,000 tuition reimbursement is a standout feature for those looking to finish a degree or pursue professional certifications while gaining management experience.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Kroger/Fred Meyer Careers portal for the College, AK location. Your application should emphasize your ability to monitor departmental conditions and your history of providing “prompt, quality” service in a high-traffic environment.

Full Job Description

This position is located at the Fred Meyer in the “College” area of Fairbanks (near the University of Alaska Fairbanks). This store is a critical resource for students, faculty, and residents of the West Fairbanks area. As a multi-department retailer, Fred Meyer combines grocery, apparel, home goods, and a pharmacy. Working here requires an ability to handle a diverse customer base and the unique seasonal demands of life in the Interior.

Typical Responsibilities:

Customer Engagement: Assisting a high volume of shoppers—including a large student population—with locating items and providing product information.
Merchandising & Stocking: Ensuring shelves are fully stocked and fronted; maintaining the organization of high-traffic areas like the “College Living” or electronics sections.
Cashiering & POS: Operating registers and self-checkout stations efficiently while handling the Kroger Rewards program and digital coupons.
Department-Specific Tasks: Roles may include prepping food in the Deli, assisting in the Garden Center during the spring rush, or fulfilling online orders for the Pickup department.
Safety Standards: Keeping aisles clear of snow/moisture tracked in from outside and adhering to strict food safety protocols in perishable departments.

Qualifications:

Reliability: Strong attendance is essential, particularly during the Fairbanks winter and the busy “back-to-school” seasons.
Communication: Ability to provide friendly, efficient service in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for 8-hour shifts; must be able to lift and move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds.
Education: High school diploma or GED preferred; entry-level roles are often open to students 16+.

Company Benefits:

Employee Discount: Immediate discounts on Kroger-brand groceries and varying discounts on general merchandise and apparel.
Education Assistance: Access to the “Feed Your Future” program, offering up to $3,500 annually for tuition reimbursement (ideal for UAF students).
Union Benefits: Membership in the UFCW, providing structured pay scales, scheduled raises, and health benefits for eligible associates.
Career Growth: Opportunities to transition into specialized roles or management within the global Kroger network.

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