BBQ Pitmaster

Q39 is Growing – Join Our Culinary Team! 

Kansas City’s award-winning BBQ is expanding! We’re opening a new location in Lawrence, Kansas, and we’re building an exceptional culinary team to help us bring our passion for world-class BBQ and scratch-made, chef-inspired cuisine to even more guests. 

"Real Pitmasters Don’t Watch the Clock — They Watch the Flame." 
Welcome to Q39 BBQ!

The Pitmaster is the heart of Q39’s award-winning barbecue operation. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of meat smoking — from trimming and seasoning to cooking and holding — using traditional wood-burning pits and smokers. Precision, patience, and a deep respect for the craft of barbecue are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain commercial smokers and pits, ensuring proper wood use, temperature control, and smoke flow.

• Trim, season, and prepare meats (brisket, ribs, pork, chicken, etc.) according to Q39 standards.

• Monitor internal meat temperatures and smoking times for consistency and quality.

• Coordinate timing of meat pulls for lunch and dinner service.

• Track yields and maintain daily production logs.

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety in the smokehouse and prep area.

• Communicate with prep cooks, line cooks, and management to ensure accurate forecasting and readiness.

• Ensure compliance with all food safety standards and regulations.

Qualifications:

• 2 years of experience in a pitmaster, smokehouse, or BBQ-specific cooking role.

• Strong understanding of meat preparation, smoke profiles, and cook times.

• Familiarity with commercial smokers (Southern Pride, Ole Hickory, offset smokers, etc.).

• Ability to work independently and manage long cook cycles overnight or early morning.

• Excellent time management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work in hot environments for extended periods.

• ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand for long periods; lift heavy trays of meat.

• Handle high heat, sharp tools, and fast-paced kitchen environments.

• Ability to smell, observe, and taste for quality control.

Why Work at Q39?

• Work with a nationally recognized BBQ team and brand

• Competitive pay, shift meals, and growth opportunities

• Hands-on experience with traditional and modern smoking techniques

• Pride in serving award-winning, handcrafted barbecue

Salary : $22 - $27