Job Title: Live-Fire Pit Apprentice / Smokehouse Trainee
Location: Scottsdale, AZ (Onboarding & Preparation in Peoria)
Compensation: $45,000 – $50,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-time
Fuel the Flame: Join the Original Scottsdale Smokehouse Team
The Caldwell County BBQ expansion is officially headed to Scottsdale, and we are looking for dedicated individuals to captain our pits. This is far more than a standard back-of-house line cook job; it is a comprehensive, hands-on apprenticeship in the deeply respected tradition of authentic, Texas-style live-fire cooking. If you are eager to master the exact craftsmanship, temperature control, and wood science that creates legendary BBQ, your career starts here.
We invest heavily in our crew, offering a workplace defined by personal advancement, mutual respect, and a shared passion for culinary excellence.
The Apprenticeship Experience (Daily Responsibilities)
You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with veteran pit bosses to gain absolute mastery over the following areas:
- Combustion & Thermal Management: Learn the intricate balance of airflow, wood density, and live-fire pit operations to sustain the perfect smoke environment.
- Protein Fabrication & Seasoning: Develop professional knife skills specifically tailored to trimming, shaping, and managing rubs for high-end cuts of brisket, ribs, and pork.
- Quality Compliance: Execute rigorous sensory and temperature checks to guarantee every single tray matches our historical standards of perfection.
- Kitchen Flow & Sanitation: Maintain a safe, pristine, and highly organized workstation capable of handling high-volume service rushes.
Our Internal Career Pipeline
We don't look outside the company when leadership roles open up. We rely on a structured, internal ladder designed to build your career:
Pit Assist > Certified Pit Master > Lead Pit Master
The Benefits Package
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Full Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage options.
- Retirement Planning: 401(k) retirement solutions featuring a company match.
- Paid Time Off: Accrued PTO to support healthy work-life integration.
- Daily Shift Perks: Enjoy a complimentary, legendary Texas BBQ meal every time you work.
- Professional Mentorship: Direct, everyday coaching from established craft experts.
Who Fits Our Culture?
- Experience: 1–3 years in a fast-paced commercial kitchen is preferred, but a raw, teachable obsession with the art of BBQ is highly valued.
- Endurance: You are comfortable working around active, high-heat pits and possess the stamina for early morning shifts and high-volume weekend rushes.
- Meticulous Eye: You respect the "low and slow" process, understanding that patience and precise attention to detail make the difference between good and legendary.
- Growth Focus: You are actively seeking a stable, long-term brand home where your personal development is a top organizational priority.
- Reliability: Must be available to work 20–30 hours per week, including Saturdays and Sundays. Additional hours available as you develop your skills.
Mandatory Prerequisite Training Notice:
To guarantee our brand-new Scottsdale venue launches flawlessly, all initial onboarding and operational training will be conducted at our established Peoria restaurant (8315 W Washington St). Candidates must have reliable transportation to commute to the Peoria location for the duration of the preparatory phase before our team transitions permanently to the Scottsdale property for the Grand Opening.
Ready to command the smoke? Apply today to secure your spot with the Caldwell County BBQ Scottsdale Launch Crew!
Pay: $22.15 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
