Job Title: Pitmaster Apprentice

Smokesmith Bar-B-Que is looking for someone who wants more than a job.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in mastering a craft, seeks growth and responsibility, and wants to become exceptionally good at something.

This is a paid, full time, year round apprenticeship with direct training in traditional Texas barbecue. You will work alongside experienced pitmasters learning fire management, smoker operation, meat preparation, sausage making, and the systems and discipline required to produce great barbecue every day.

This is not a seasonal position or a short term opportunity. We are investing in someone we believe can grow into a key member of our operation over time.

What You'll Learn

Traditional barbecue techniques and pit room operations
Fire management and smoker operation
Meat trimming, preparation, seasoning, and cooking
Sausage making and production processes
Food safety, sanitation, and inventory management
Equipment care, maintenance, and operational standards
The discipline, consistency, and attention to detail required to become a pitmaster

Key Responsibilities

Prep, trim, portion, and season proteins for service
Operate and monitor smokers while maintaining temperature and cook logs
Cook, finish, and portion proteins consistently
Produce sausage according to established recipes and procedures
Safely operate commercial meat processing equipment, including grinders, mixers, and slicers
Maintain staging areas, equipment, and workspaces
Assist with smoker maintenance and operational upkeep
Follow food safety, sanitation, and inventory procedures
Take on increasing responsibility as skills and knowledge develop

Who We're Looking For

We can teach barbecue.

We cannot teach reliability, work ethic, curiosity, accountability, or pride in your work.

The ideal candidate:

Is extremely reliable and follows through on commitments
Actively seeks growth, responsibility, and mastery
Takes pride in doing things the right way, even when nobody is watching
Is comfortable with physical work, early mornings or late evenings, weekend shifts, and working in all weather conditions
Pays attention to details, timing, temperatures, and consistency
Has a team first attitude and a willingness to learn
Is looking for a long term opportunity, not a temporary position

Previous experience in kitchens, butcher shops, food production, smoking meats, or related trades is helpful but not required.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old due to the operation of commercial meat processing equipment.

Reliability, Punctuality, and Flexibility required.

Pay: $13.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount
Paid training

Application Question(s):

What interests you about working at Smokesmith? Tell us about your barbecue, grilling, smoking, or cooking experience, and what you enjoy cooking. Why?

Work Location: In person

Smokesmith Bar-B-Que

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