Job Overview: Starbucks Barista (Fred Meyer/Kroger)

Fred Meyer is seeking a customer-focused Barista for their licensed Starbucks kiosk in Fairbanks, AK. This role is a blend of specialized beverage craft and retail service, operating as part of the larger Kroger family. The focus is on providing “exceptional customer service in a safe and clean environment” while upholding high standards for food quality and community values.

This position is ideal for individuals who are “hungry to learn” and want to leverage strong corporate benefits while working in a high-paced, team-oriented atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

Beverage Craft & Food Safety

Standardized Preparation: Prepare beverage selections strictly to recipe and standards, including the use of espresso machines, blenders, and steamers.
Freshness & Quality: Monitor “sell-by” dates and product quality; prepare, package, label, and inventory ingredients to prevent shrink.
Safety Compliance: Adhere to all food safety regulations and practice preventive maintenance on equipment like refrigerators, ovens, and slicers.

Customer Engagement & Sales

Proactive Service: Answer questions regarding products throughout the store, offer samples, and inform customers of seasonal specials.
Merchandising: Label, stock, and inventory department merchandise; stay current with seasonal and special advertisements.
Hospitality: Create an environment where customers feel “welcome, important, and appreciated” through active suggestions and friendly interactions.

Qualifications & Skills

Minimum Requirements

Excellent Customer Service Skills: A demonstrated ability to interact positively with the public.
Soft Skills: Ability to work cooperatively in high-paced, stressful environments and manage conflict in a non-confrontational manner.

Desired Experience

Industry Knowledge: Any previous comparable experience in food service or retail.
Technical Aptitude: Ability to use kitchen equipment and computerized scales.
Professionalism: Ability to act with honesty and integrity regarding business information and follow directions effectively.

Why This Role? (Kroger Family Benefits)

One of the strongest draws of this position is the comprehensive “Associate Well-Being” package offered by the Kroger Family of Companies.

Education: Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career through their industry-leading Continuing Education program.
Healthcare: Affordable medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
Financial Support: Access to free, confidential financial coaching through Goldman Sachs Ayco.
Discounts: Significant associate discounts on food, travel, and technology.
Growth: A clear pathway for career advancement through vast training programs and diverse roles within the Kroger network.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Fred Meyer/Kroger Careers portal for the Fairbanks location. In your application, emphasize your ability to maintain a “clean and safe environment” and your enthusiasm for learning the technical side of specialty coffee.

Full Job Description

Fred Meyer operates high-volume “one-stop-shop” locations in Fairbanks (such as the Old Steese Hwy and Airport Way stores). These locations are critical hubs for Interior Alaska, providing everything from groceries and apparel to home electronics and hardware. Working at a Fairbanks Fred Meyer requires resilience and efficiency, especially during the extreme winter months when the stores become the primary resource for the local community and surrounding rural areas.

Typical Responsibilities:

Customer Support: Assisting residents and travelers with finding products across a massive floor plan, spanning groceries, home goods, and outdoor gear.
Inventory Management: Stocking shelves, rotating perishable goods, and ensuring that essential items are available during high-demand seasonal shifts.
Checkout Operations: Operating registers, managing self-checkout kiosks, and processing diverse payment types including WIC and SNAP.
Department Upkeep: Maintaining “Gold Standard” cleanliness and organization in specific areas like the Deli, Meat department, or Electronics.
Winter Readiness: Assisting with seasonal transitions, such as managing the garden center’s shift to winter supplies and holiday merchandise.

Qualifications:

Reliability: Strong attendance is vital, particularly during Fairbanks’ winter season; ability to handle the logistics of commuting in sub-zero temperatures.
Communication: Ability to provide friendly service to a diverse population, including military families from Ft. Wainwright and Eielson AFB.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand and move for 8-hour shifts and lift up to 50 pounds (especially in the Grocery or Home departments).
Skills: Basic computer literacy for inventory systems and math skills for cash handling.

Company Benefits:

Union Benefits: Many positions are covered by UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers), providing scheduled raises and workplace advocacy.
Discounts: Significant savings on “Our Brands” groceries and varying discounts on electronics, apparel, and home goods.
Education: Access to the “Feed Your Future” program, offering up to $3,500 per year for tuition reimbursement.
Health & Savings: Comprehensive medical plans for eligible associates and 401(k) options with company matching.

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