Pitmaster Assistants & Kitchen Prep

Pawtucket Patriot Bar & BBQ; Pawtucket (RI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Pawtucket Patriot Bar & BBQ in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, seeks a Pitmaster Assistant & Kitchen Prep to work with lead pitmasters, executing low-and-slow cooks, managing live-fire, and supporting high-volume kitchen prep.

This role offers hands-on training, competitive pay ($18-$25/hr), and opportunities to grow into Lead Pitmaster. Reliable, physically capable candidates who can lift 50 lbs and work early or late shifts are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-2 years in a kitchen with BBQ pits/smokers.
• Solid understanding of wood selection, fire building, temp control.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand long periods.
• Early morning, late night, or overnight schedule flexibility.
• Food Handler's card or ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Pit & Fire Management: operate and monitor a heavy-duty rotisserie smoker and control temps.
• Meat Preparation: trim, season, and prep large volumes of briskets, pork, and ribs.
• Cook Execution: wrap meats, track temps, and manage holding/resting in warming towers.
• Kitchen Prep & Line Support: keep prep line clean, portion and slice meats to order.
• Maintenance & Cleanliness: clean smokers, grease traps, and keep the pit area and kitchen spotless.

Skills

Kitchen Experience

Live-Fire Knowledge

Physical Stamina

Flexible Schedule

Certifications

Job description

Job Title: Pitmaster Assistant & Kitchen Prep

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Location: Pawtucket Rhode Island
Pay Range: $ 18- $25 hr

Job Summary

We are looking for a reliable, hard-working Kitchen Team Member with BBQ Pit Experience to join our team. In this role, you will work directly and learn with our lead pitmasters to execute low-and-slow cooks, manage fire and airflow, and handle soon to be high-volume kitchen preparation. If you have a passion for authentic barbecue, respect the process of managing a live-fire smoker, and thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Pit & Fire Management: Assist in operating and monitoring heavy-duty commercial rotisserie smoker. Maintain steady cooking temperatures, manage coal beds, handle ash disposal, and adjust airflow to ensure clean smoke profiles.
• Meat Preparation: Trim, season, and prep large volumes of meats (including briskets, pork butts, and ribs) according to our specific recipe profiles.
• Cook Execution: Assist with wrapping meats (using butcher paper and foil), tracking internal temperatures, and managing the holding/resting process in warming towers.
• Kitchen Prep & Line Support: Maintain a clean, organized prep line. Portion, slice, and pull meats to order while adhering to strict food safety guidelines.
• Maintenance & Cleanliness: Clean and maintain smokers, grease traps, and extraction equipment. Ensure the pit area and kitchen remain spotless.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in a kitchen environment, with direct experience operating or assisting with commercial BBQ pits/smokers.
• Live-Fire Knowledge: Solid understanding of wood selection, fire building, temperature control, and avoiding "dirty smoke."
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (bags of wood, heavy meat cases) and work on your feet in an environment near active smoker.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work early morning, late night, or overnight shifts to monitor long cooks if needed.
• Certifications: Food Handler's card or ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain one upon hire).

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Opportunities for growth into Lead Pitmaster roles.
• A fun, tight-knit team environment.