Job Overview: Barista – Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital

The Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) is seeking an experienced Barista to serve the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiagvik, Alaska. As the northernmost hospital in the U.S., this facility is a vital community hub. In this role, you aren’t just making coffee; you are providing a moment of comfort and service to healthcare professionals, patients, and families in a clinical setting.

This position is ideal for a seasoned hospitality professional who values a structured, professional environment and is comfortable with the unique responsibilities of hospital-adjacent service.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

Beverage Craft & Patient-Centered Service

Technical Preparation: Expertly prepare a full range of hot and cold beverages, including specialty coffees, teas, and blended drinks, along with prepared food items.
Hospital Representation: Provide “excellent” customer service, acting as a positive face for Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital and answering guest questions with professional courtesy.
Sanitation Excellence: Maintain a high standard of cleanliness for all work areas, utensils, and equipment, meeting the hygiene requirements of a medical facility.

Operational & Financial Duties

Transaction Accuracy: Process customer payments and handle cash duties with precision.
Inventory Management: Proactively stock and replenish supplies to ensure the café remains fully operational during all shifts.
Digital Literacy: Utilize a cash register, email, and the Microsoft Office suite to manage daily tasks and communication.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Experience & Education

Tenure: Three or more years of related experience and/or training. This is a senior-level barista position requiring a high level of competency.
Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Availability: Must be responsible for taking “on-call” shifts during evenings and weekends.

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.
Licensing: A valid State of Alaska ID or Driver’s license is preferred.
Native Preference: ASNA exercises its rights in Native Hire Preference and contracting practices as applicable by law.

Why This Role?

Working within the Arctic Slope Native Association means contributing to the health and well-being of the Utqiagvik community. This role offers:

Professional Environment: A committed drug-free and smoke-free workplace within a modern medical facility.
Community Impact: Serving as a welcoming presence in a location that provides critical care to the North Slope region.
Stability: A senior-level position with clear expectations and the opportunity to support a vital public service.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the ASNA Careers portal. When applying, emphasize your three+ years of experience and your ability to maintain a clean, organized environment under the specific standards of a hospital setting.

Full Job Description

ASNA is a tribal nonprofit health and social services organization representing eight villages on 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 remain 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-recruit roles, ASNA provides furnished apartments with utilities included and relocation allowances up to $4,500+.
Loan Repayment: Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital is an eligible site for Indian Health Service (IHS) and other student loan repayment programs.

To apply for this job please visit arcticslope.org.