POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Pre-press Technician
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5316
GRADE 25
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Manager, Printing and Postal Services
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Assistant to the Vice President for Administrative Services
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Pre-Press Technician lays out jobs for printing and binding using a variety of graphics software applications to work with technical layout and design components in order to set traps, produce halftones, duotones, and verify or install fonts on copy sent electronically from customers for one-color, multi-spot color, or four-color process jobs, prepares layout and graphic design upon request of customers, and assists with associated pre-press functions such as setting up files for variable data and merging it with the databases provided, file imposition for best fit on a press sheet, retrieving and storing files on the departmental server, retrieving files from the department sharefolder, and related printing functions in bindery and finishing.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Completion of specialized training beyond high school, such as a two-year vocational/technical training program in graphic design or a related field, is required.
Experience: At least two years of experience is required using a computer to manipulate digital multicolor and four-color files is required. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite software is required. Experience with Dynagram Dynastrip imposition software (Mac) and Fusion Pro variable data software is preferred.
Skills: The ability to work with various graphic design and layout software applications commonly used on Mac’s and PC’s is required. Proficiency in all Adobe Creative Suite software packages and Microsoft Word on a Mac Computer is required. A thorough understanding of digital file formats (pdf, tiff, eps) from different operating systems (Mac and PC) is required. Color management skills and the ability to work with different digital file formats are required. The ability to output digital files to various output devices like RIP on CTP system and to the front end of digital presses is required. The ability to continue to learn and use new graphics software on an ongoing basis is required. An understanding of the offset printing process and how one color affects another is required. Mechanical skills using small hand tools in order to make minor repairs and perform maintenance on a flatbed scanner, CTP imagesetter, and other equipment is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Other: Visual acuity and the ability to visually distinguish color in order to do layout and design work for printing is required. The ability to lift 55 pounds occasionally is required. Physical mobility sufficient to operate and maintain a flatbed scanner and imagesetter is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Produces effective collateral projects and publications by participating in project interviews and meetings, developing concepts and designs, performing photo shoots and illustrations as needed, producing proofs, and preparing print ready artwork through desktop publishing, and becoming proficient in new software programs and versions as needed.
2. Meets the client’s or department’s communication objectives through a thorough knowledge of type and design in order to develop concepts, sketches, comprehensives, or print-ready art and advises clients of appropriate options to achieve their communication objectives.
3. Operates within deadlines established for various publications by following an established production schedule, preparing details for print vendors when needed, and archiving the work electronically on the Printing Services server.
4. Maintains the Printing Services share folder on the campus network by retrieving and clearing files as needed, setting up new clients for access to the folder, and instructing clients on how to access and send files.
5. Produces offset printing plates for the Print Shop for jobs as required using various desktop computer programs, imposition software, RIP to plate software, and computer to plate image setting.
6. Produces variable data files to print for various mailed collateral projects using HTML and coding software to develop and test new ways to create and print variable data projects and communicates with departments and Creative Services on the testing and proofing of variable data projects.
7. Ensures the efficiency of the Office of Printing Services by utilizing the online estimating, billing, and tracking software program.
8. Assists the Pressroom Operator as needed on jobs and maintains the pre-press area by performing maintenance services, cleaning, and making minor repairs and adjustments within demonstrated capabilities, refers other repairs and service needs to qualified vendors and technicians, and keeps equipment properly calibrated to specific standards to produce quality printed pieces.
9. Assists with departmental stores responsibilities by maintaining an inventory of related supplies and advises the Printing Services Manager when replacement items or supplies are needed.
10. Reduces the likelihood of on-the-job injuries by following established safety guidelines when working with chemicals and chemical substances.
11. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
12. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, maintaining a current knowledge of desktop publishing, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Manager, Printing and Postal Services.
13. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Printing Services by performing other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Pre-press Technician is supervised by the Manager, Printing and Postal Services and generally exercises no supervision of others.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2018
