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 Polar Ice Center is a premier hockey and recreational facility located in the heart of North Pole, Alaska. It serves as a community hub for local hockey leagues (including youth and adult divisions), figure skating, and public “open skate” sessions. Working here requires a balance of maintaining high-quality ice conditions, managing customer-facing concession services, and ensuring a safe, family-friendly environment in a cold, fast-paced setting.

Typical Roles & Responsibilities:

Ice Maintenance (Zamboni Operator): Successfully driving and operating a Zamboni to resurface the ice between periods or sessions. This includes logging compressor levels and performing general building supervision.
Concessions & Café (Cook/Barista): Preparing “concession-style” menu items such as burgers, sandwiches, and soups. Baristas focus on coffee, customizable drinks, and providing prompt, friendly service to spectators and skaters.
Hospitality & Sales (Bartender): Providing an exceptional guest experience by serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Must maintain a TAPS (Techniques in Alcohol Provider Services) card for compliance.
Support Staff: Assisting with skate rentals, managing the front desk, and ensuring the cleanliness and organization of the facility during high-traffic events like “Total Request Live” open skates.
Shift Supervision: Handling cash management, supervising junior employees, and managing the timing of on-ice activities to keep the schedule running efficiently.

Qualifications:

Age Requirements: Zamboni Drivers and Supervisors must be 18+; Support Staff positions are often open to those 16+ with a valid work permit.
Experience: Previous experience in the ice rink industry or a kitchen/concession setting is a plus, but many roles offer on-the-job training.
Skills: Strong organizational skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a positive, team-focused attitude are essential.
Availability: Must be able to work flexible hours, including early mornings (shifts can start at 5:30 AM), late nights (shifts can end at 1:30 AM), weekends, and holidays.

Compensation & Perks:

Pay Scale: Generally ranges from $15.00 to $25.00 per hour depending on the complexity of the role and experience level.
Benefits: Historically includes employee discounts on concessions and facility use (such as free or discounted skating memberships).
Environment: A wholesome, smoke-free atmosphere dedicated to community engagement and the love of ice sports.

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