Job Overview: Barista – Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital

The Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) is seeking a professional Barista to support the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiagvik, Alaska. As the northernmost city in the United States, Utqiagvik offers a unique and close-knit community environment. In this role, you will be a vital part of the hospital’s support system, providing high-quality beverages and food to healthcare staff, patients, and visitors.

This position requires a high level of professional maturity, as it represents the hospital’s commitment to service and community care.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

Beverage Craft & Food Service

Accurate Preparation: Expertly craft a full menu of hot and cold drinks, including specialty teas and blended coffees, as well as preparing food items.
Service Excellence: Act as a positive representative of Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital, answering product questions and ensuring every guest has a high-quality experience.
Safety & Sanitation: Maintain a pristine work area, including the meticulous cleaning of service areas, utensils, and equipment.

Operations & Financial Duties

Transaction Management: Accurately process customer payments and perform cash handling duties with high integrity.
Inventory Control: Proactively stock and replenish supplies to ensure the café is always prepared for the next rush.
Technological Proficiency: Utilize the cash register, email, and Microsoft Office suite for daily operational needs.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Experience

Tenure: Three or more years of related experience and/or training. This is a senior-level barista role looking for an experienced professional.
Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Certifications & Compliance

Food Safety: Must obtain a State of Alaska Food Worker Card within 30 days of hire and a ServSafe Food Handler Card within 6 months.
Identification: A valid State of Alaska ID or Driver’s license is preferred.
Native Preference: ASNA exercises its rights in Native Hire Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

Schedule & Availability

Responsibility: Must be willing and able to take “on-call” shifts during evenings and weekends to support hospital needs.

Why This Role?

Working for the Arctic Slope Native Association at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital is more than a retail job; it is a service to the North Slope community. You will work in a drug-free, smoke-free environment where your presence contributes to the comfort and well-being of those within the medical facility.

The hospital is a hub of activity in Utqiagvik, making this an excellent role for someone who values stable, community-centered work and enjoys being a familiar, welcoming face in a professional setting.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) Careers portal. Ensure your resume highlights your “3+ years of experience” and your comfort with hospital-grade sanitation standards.

Full Job Description

ASNA is a tribal nonprofit health and social services organization that serves the eight villages of Alaska’s North Slope. Their primary operation in Utqiagvik is the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (SSMH), a state-of-the-art Joint Commission Accredited facility. Working here is more than a job; it is a commitment to the “Iñupiat Ilitqusiat” (Iñupiat values). Whether you are in medical care, facilities, or social advocacy, your work directly supports the health, sovereignty, and cultural preservation of the Arctic Slope people.

Typical Roles & Responsibilities:

Clinical Care: Roles for Registered Nurses (RN), Medical Lab Technicians, and Dental Hygienists focus on providing high-quality care in a “Critical Access” hospital setting, often involving emergency medicine and inpatient care.
Social & Tribal Services: Positions such as ICWA Advocates, Healthy Family Advocates, and Case Managers work to protect tribal families, manage child welfare cases, and provide outreach services across the region.
Operations & Facilities: Maintenance Specialists, Laborers, and Floor Care teams ensure the hospital and offsite facilities are operational in extreme arctic conditions (down to -50°F).
Patient Support Services: Roles like Patient Care Technicians and Fleet Drivers (transporting patients/staff) facilitate the daily movement and comfort of those seeking medical travel and local care.
Hospitality & Retail: ASNA operates a hospital-based Starbucks kiosk, requiring Lead Baristas to maintain high service standards and a clean, welcoming environment for staff and visitors.

Qualifications:

Native Preference: ASNA exercises its rights in Native Hire Preference, prioritizing qualified Iñupiat and Alaska Native applicants.
Cultural Competence: A deep respect for and knowledge of Iñupiat values—such as Sharing, Cooperation, and Respect for Elders—is essential for all staff.
Professional Certification: Clinical roles require current Alaska licensure. Non-clinical roles (like Maintenance or Admin) value experience in “High-Arctic” environments.
Resilience: Ability to live and work in the northernmost city in the U.S., which experiences several weeks of total 24-hour darkness and extreme wind chill.

Company Benefits:

Comprehensive Insurance: 100% of employee health, dental, and vision premiums are typically covered by the employer.
Retirement: 401(k) plan with a generous employer contribution (historically up to 8% of annual salary) after one year.
Generous Leave: 13 paid holidays and up to 25 days of accrued personal leave after the first year.
Subsidized Housing: For certain medical or hard-to-fill roles, ASNA provides furnished apartments with utilities included and relocation allowances up to $4,500+.
Loan Repayment: SSMH is an eligible site for Indian Health Service (IHS) and other student loan repayment programs.

To apply for this job please visit arcticslope.org.