Job Overview: Professional Barista (Utqiagvik, AK)

The Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) is seeking an experienced and customer-oriented Barista to join the team at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiagvik, Alaska. This role is more than just making coffee; it is a professional position within a healthcare setting, requiring high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and positive representation of the hospital.

This is a great opportunity for a seasoned service professional who thrives in a community-focused environment and is comfortable with the unique lifestyle of the Arctic Slope.

Essential Job Functions & Duties

Beverage & Food Service

Expert Preparation: Accurately prepare a full menu of hot and cold drinks, including specialty coffees, teas, and blended beverages.
Food Handling: Serve prepared food items to customers while adhering to strict safety standards.
Inventory Management: Proactively stock and replenish supplies to ensure seamless service throughout the shift.

Customer Service & Operations

Hospital Ambassadorship: Provide excellent service and product knowledge, serving as a positive face for the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital.
Financial Integrity: Accurately process customer payments and perform cash handling duties using a cash register.
Cleanliness: Maintain a sterile and organized work area, including all service surfaces, utensils, and equipment.

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience & Education

Education: High school diploma or GED required.
Experience: Three or more years of related experience and/or training. The family-like atmosphere of ASNA values a combination of formal education and solid “on-the-job” expertise.
Availability: Must be responsible for taking calls on evenings and weekends.

Certifications & Licensing

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.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and email for communication.
Confident ability to operate a modern cash register and point-of-sale (POS) system.

Why This Role?

Working for the Arctic Slope Native Association offers a chance to serve the northernmost community in the United States. ASNA provides a professional, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace. At a hospital-based café, you play a vital role in providing comfort and caffeine to both healthcare staff and patient families, making your work deeply impactful to the local community.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Arctic Slope Native Association portal. Note that ASNA exercises Native Hire Preference in its employment practices. Ensure your application emphasizes your three+ years of experience and your willingness to commit to the required food safety certifications.

Full Job Description

The Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) is a non-profit tribal health and social services organization serving the eight recognized tribes of the Arctic Slope region. ASNA operates the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (SSMH), a state-of-the-art Critical Access Hospital in Utqiaġvik. Working here involves a deep commitment to the Iñupiat values, including respect for elders, cooperation, and compassion, while providing essential services in one of the most remote environments in North America.

Service Areas & Typical Roles:

Clinical Care: Registered Nurses (ER, Inpatient, Case Management), Medical Lab Technicians, Respiratory Therapists, and Dental Hygienists.
Patient Support: Patient Care Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians, and Wayfinders/Interpreters.
Social Services: Elder Care Specialists, ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) Advocates, and Community Engagement Specialists.
Facilities & Operations: Maintenance Specialists, Fleet Drivers, Laundry Attendants, and Housing Housekeepers.

Typical Responsibilities:

Cultural Integration: Providing healthcare and social services that honor Iñupiat heritage and traditional values.
Rural Healthcare: Delivering services both at the central hub in Utqiaġvik and via outreach to remote surrounding villages (Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, etc.).
Public Health Advocacy: Promoting community wellness through prevention programs and family preservation services.
Resource Management: For administrative roles, managing tribal grants and social service programs like medical travel and funeral assistance.

Qualifications:

Professional Standards: Relevant licensure or certification for clinical roles (e.g., ASCP for Lab Techs, RN license for nursing).
Native Hire Preference: ASNA exercises its rights in Native Hire Preference as applicable by law.
Adaptability: Ability to live and work in an arctic environment characterized by extreme cold and geographic isolation.
Background: Must be able to pass a rigorous background check and maintain a drug-free workplace status.

Total Compensation & Benefits:

Retirement: 401(k) plan with an employer contribution (historically 8% of annual salary) after one year of service.
Healthcare: 100% employer-paid premiums for employees (partial coverage for dependents) including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy.
Time Off: 13 paid holidays and 25 days of accrued personal leave per year.
Housing & Relocation: Subsidized furnished housing and relocation allowances (up to $4,500–$6,000) are available for specific hard-to-recruit or medical positions.

Salary Reference Table (Hourly)

Position	Pay Range
Housekeeper / Laundry / Maintenance Laborer	$23.40 – $26.35
Patient Care / Dental Assistant / Elder Care	$28.45 – $32.03
Case Management Assistant / Fleet Driver	$30.46 – $35.32
Medical Lab Technician / Respiratory Therapist	$33.37 – $45.07
Registered Nurse (Inpatient / ER)	$45.01 – $52.18
Clinical Supervisor / Pharmacist / Dentist	$57.45 – $100.00+

To apply for this job please visit arcticslope.org.