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
