Kitchen Lead (BBQ / Smoker Experience Required)

Workstream; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 68,770,000 - 77,366,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunity

Job summary

My Father's Barbeque in Carson, CA, is seeking a Kitchen Lead with BBQ and smoker experience to run early morning meat production and smoker operations. This role requires strong knife skills and the ability to work independently in a hot, smoky environment.

Responsibilities include smoker control, meat prep, inventory, and ensuring readiness before opening, with growth potential into a Morning Kitchen Lead role. Pay ranges $24–$27/hour with 6–8 hour shifts, Wednesday–Sunday.

Qualifications

• Must have strong knife skills and be experienced trimming meats.
• Able to lift 50–70 lbs.
• Comfortable working in heat and smoke.
• Reliable transportation and punctual.
• Able to work independently without supervision.

Responsibilities

• Start or maintain smoker at proper temperature.
• Manage fire and heat consistently without supervision.
• Load brisket, ribs, pork, and chicken; wrap meats at correct times.
• Monitor cook progress and pull meats on schedule.
• Trim and season meats for next day; portion proteins.
• Receive meat deliveries and rotate inventory (FIFO).
• Ensure meats are ready or on track before opening.
• Maintain clean and organized pit area.

Skills

Knife skills

Lifting 50-70 lbs

Heat and smoke tolerance

Reliability

Independence

Job description

Schedule

• Wednesday–Sunday
• Start time: 6:00 AM
• 6–8 hour shifts

Flexibility Required:

• Occasional Monday or Tuesday shifts may be required for catering or high-volume weeks
• Schedule may adjust based on business needs

About Us

My Father’s Barbeque is a pit-driven BBQ restaurant built on real smoke, real technique, and consistency. We take pride in doing things the right way—no shortcuts.

Position Overview

We are hiring a Kitchen Lead (BBQ / Smoker Experience Required) to run early morning meat production and smoker operations. This is not a basic cook position. You must have strong knife skills and experience trimming and preparing meats (brisket, ribs, pork). You will work independently and be responsible for the most important part of our business—the meat.

Key Responsibilities

Smoker & Fire Management

• Start or maintain smoker at proper temperature
• Manage fire and heat consistently without supervision

Meat Production

• Load brisket, ribs, pork, and chicken
• Wrap meats at correct times
• Monitor cook progress and adjust as needed
• Pull meats on schedule for service

Prep & Production

• Trim and season meats for next day
• Portion proteins as needed
• Maintain clean and organized prep area

Receiving & Inventory

• Receive meat deliveries
• Check quality and rotate inventory (FIFO)
• Communicate shortages or issues immediately

Kitchen Readiness

• Ensure meats are ready or on track before opening
• Maintain clean and organized pit area

Requirements

• Strong knife skills and experience trimming meats required
• Ability to lift 50–70 lbs
• Comfortable working in heat and smoke
• Reliable transportation and ability to arrive early consistently
• Able to work independently without supervision

Preferred:

• BBQ or smoker experience
• High-volume kitchen prep experience

What We’re Looking For

• Dependable and on time—no late arrivals
• Moves with urgency and purpose
• Takes ownership of work
• Can grow into a leadership role

Schedule

• Wednesday–Sunday
• Start time: 6:00 AM
• 6–8 hour shifts

Pay

• $24–$27/hour depending on experience

Growth Opportunity

Opportunity to grow into a Morning Kitchen Lead role.

My Father's Barbeque is Los Angeles hottest new Southern BBQ eatery. Located in the center of Carson Ca. Newly expanded and remodeled. We specialize in great food and hospitality.