Job Overview: Barista (Seasonal) — Hoonah, AK

Icy Strait Point LLC is seeking a dedicated Barista for the upcoming 2026 season (April through mid-October). Located in Hoonah, Alaska, Icy Strait Point is a unique, Native-owned cruise ship destination. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excited by the prospect of living and working in a remote, rural Alaskan community.

As a Barista here, you will be the face of the morning rush for thousands of visitors, adhering to the company’s guiding principles: Best, Authentic, and Profitable (BAP).

Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

Beverage Craft & Quality

Consistency: Provide high-quality coffee and tea beverages consistently by strictly adhering to recipes and presentation standards.
Speed & Service: Craft specialty drinks in a timely, courteous, and “ever-friendly” manner, even during high-volume periods when cruise ships are in port.
Sanitation: Follow rigorous health, safety, and sanitation guidelines for all food and beverage products.

Operations & Versatility

POS Management: Accurately record menu items and process payments through the Point of Sale system.
Workplace Organization: Maintain a clean and organized workspace to ensure efficiency.
Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to shift to other assignments as needed, including acting as a Retail Cashier.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Skills

Background: Prior experience in Retail or as a Barista is considered a major plus.
Learning Agility: Ability to learn new techniques and recipes quickly and carry out oral/written instructions.
Communication: Effective and friendly communication skills with guests, management, and coworkers.

Certifications & Compliance

Documentation: Must be able to obtain and maintain an Alaska Food Handler’s Card and a TAPS card (Training for Alcohol Professionals).
Native Preference: Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.O. 93-638.

Physical Requirements & Remote Living

This position is physically demanding and requires a high level of stamina:

Stamina: Ability to work on your feet most of the day; lunch is often “on the fly.”
Mobility: Must be able to walk over 5 miles a day, move up/down stairs frequently, and lift up to 40 pounds.
Remote Environment: You must be comfortable living in a remote, rural setting and traveling via small plane or ferry. You should be prepared to walk or drive on gravel roads in various weather conditions.

Compensation & Seasonal Benefits

Pay: $15.00 – $16.00 per hour (Salary range listed as hourly with bonus potential).
Duration: April through mid-October.
Environment: Work in a noisy, high-energy area with many odors, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Icy Strait.

Why This Role?

Working at Icy Strait Point offers a professional experience unlike any other. You will be part of an authentic Alaskan enterprise, gaining “on-the-job” endurance and high-volume service skills. The bonus potential and the opportunity to live in a tight-knit, remote community make this a standout choice for seasonal adventurers.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Icy Strait Point LLC careers portal. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and your interest in contributing to a team-oriented, Native-owned business.

Full Job Description

Icy Strait Point (ISP) is a world-class cruise ship destination located near the Tlingit village of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. Unlike many other Alaskan ports, ISP is Alaskan-owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation. Working here involves providing an authentic Alaskan experience to thousands of cruise guests daily. These roles are primarily seasonal (late April through early October) and are ideal for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment centered on storytelling, hospitality, and outdoor adventure.

Typical Roles & Responsibilities:

Guest Services & Admissions: Greeting guests as they disembark, managing ticket sales for attractions like the ZipRider (the world’s largest ZipLine), and providing orientation for the site’s various nature trails and museums.
Excursion & Tour Operations: Leading or assisting with world-class tours, including whale watching, bear searching, and cultural heritage walks. This requires a strong ability to memorize and deliver engaging, accurate scripts.
Retail & Heritage Sales: Managing sales in high-volume gift shops that feature authentic Alaska Native art and local crafts; maintaining inventory and processing transactions quickly during “ship days.”
Food & Beverage: Serving guests in unique venues like the Landing Restaurant or the Duck Point Smokehouse. Roles range from line cooks and servers to bartenders and “salmon bake” hosts.
Logistics & Facilities: Maintaining the historic cannery site, managing tram and gondola operations, and ensuring the grounds are pristine and safe for guests and local wildlife.

Qualifications:

Huna Totem Shareholder Preference: Priority is given to Huna Totem shareholders, descendants, and spouses, reflecting the company’s commitment to the local community.
Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills are a must. You are an ambassador for Hoonah and the Tlingit culture.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a high-volume environment where schedules are dictated by cruise ship arrival and departure times.
Physicality: Most roles require standing for long periods, walking on uneven terrain, and working outdoors in variable Southeast Alaska weather (rain or shine).
Certifications: Food handling roles require an Alaska Food Worker Card; tour boat roles may require specific maritime credentials or First Aid/CPR.

Company Perks (The ISP Experience):

Unique Work Setting: Work at a beautifully restored 1912 salmon cannery surrounded by old-growth rainforest and incredible wildlife.
Housing: Subsidized employee housing is often available for seasonal staff recruited from outside the Hoonah area.
Cultural Connection: Gain a deep understanding of Tlingit history and the contemporary life of a Southeast Alaska village.
Adventure Access: Opportunities to experience ISP’s world-famous excursions and attractions during off-duty hours.

To apply for this job please visit icystraitpoint.com.