Title:  Pitmaster / Head Cook - Blacksmith Catering BBQ Trailer (Pikes Peak)

Job Details

Position Type: 

Year-Round, Full-Time

Operating Season on Pikes Peak:  

Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day 

Off-Season Locations:  

Various festivals, events, and pop-ups (October - May) 

Schedule:  

3-4-4-3 rotation (7:00 AM -7:00 PM) with Wednesdays as a rotating day off 

Summer Location:  

Crystal Reservoir (Pikes Peak)

Winter Location:  

Colorado Springs, Denver & Pueblo

Job Description: 

Aramark Sports and Entertainment is hiring two Pitmaster / Head Cooks to lead all BBQ operations at Blacksmith Catering, a mobile food trailer offering smoked meats, burgers, and sides. From scenic Pikes Peak in the summer to local festivals across Colorado during the off-season, this role ensures consistent, high-quality smoked meats and customer satisfaction year-round. 

The Pitmaster is responsible for managing the smoker, preparing all proteins, maintaining food safety standards, and overseeing the trailer’s back-of-house food production. You’ll work early mornings to start the smoker and late afternoons to clean down, playing a critical role in maintaining the flavor, reputation, and performance of the Blacksmith Catering brand. 

Aramark’s Hospitality Culture: 

Our culture of hospitality is the foundation of everything we do. It reflects our commitment to serving with empathy and compassion and our deep-rooted desire to exceed expectations. Hospitality is our rallying cry. Creating experiences that matter is our passion. 

HOUSING NOT AVAILABLE

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The hourly rate for this position is $21.00 to $26.00. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer.  This is Aramark’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.​

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BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources.   Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage.  Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.  For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation.  ​

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There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance to the extent that those laws apply to the opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• Start the smoker daily and manage all meat preparation, seasoning, and monitoring. 
• Oversee meat slicing, plating, and restocking during service (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM). 
• Lead all food safety practices, kitchen cleanliness, and post-shift sanitation. 
• Maintain accurate smoker temps, pellet usage, and product yield throughout the day. 
• Communicate daily needs with the Line Cook and assist with prep as needed. 
• Help train and mentor backup cooks for smoker operation and BBQ consistency. 
• Transport or assist in setup/breakdown for mobile event sites as needed (outside Pikes Peak season). 
• Represent the Blacksmith Catering brand with pride and professionalism across all locations. 

Key Menu Items You’ll Prepare: 

• Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, smoked turkey, BBQ chicken 
• Signature plates like the Pikes Peak Trio 
• BBQ sandwiches, Loaded Pitmaster Tots, and other fan-favorites 
• Seasonal and specialty festival items depending on event type 

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. To meet our commitments, job duties may change, or new ones may be assigned, without formal notice. 

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience as a pitmaster or cook in a BBQ setting 
• Demonstrated skill managing a smoker and long-cook meats 
• Familiarity with food safety protocols and ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain) 
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs. and work long shifts in variable weather conditions 
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to travel within Colorado (mileage/travel compensation may apply) 
• Strong organizational and communication skills 

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mobile kitchens or food trucks 

• Event/festival cooking experience 

• Comfort working in both independent and team-based roles 

Education

Site-Specific Information – Blacksmith Catering at Crystal Reservoir

Located at approximately 9,200 feet along the scenic Pikes Peak Highway, Crystal Reservoir is a high-elevation, high-traffic destination that offers stunning lake views and serves as a major rest stop for guests heading to the summit of Pikes Peak. During the summer months, it draws thousands of visitors from around the world. 

Blacksmith Catering, operated by Aramark Sports and Entertainment, is a mobile food trailer based at Crystal Reservoir from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Specializing in authentic smoked meats, signature burgers, and hearty sides, the food trailer adds an exciting culinary element to the guest experience on the mountain. 

After Labor Day, the trailer continues to operate at festivals, events, and pop-ups across Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo, offering team members continued employment throughout the year. Our mission is to deliver well-done BBQ with unmatched hospitality and flavor, no matter the location. 

Team members are expected to provide their own transportation to Crystal Reservoir and other event sites. Due to limited parking at the reservoir, carpooling is encouraged whenever possible. 

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.