POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Pressroom Operator
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5332
GRADE 25
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Printing Service Manager
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Associate Vice President for Administrative Services
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Pressroom Operator operates, maintains, and repairs the digital press, the two- and four-color offset printing presses, and bindery equipment. The Pressroom Operator works with front-end software to layout and execute the specifications provided by the designer, creates templates, sets parameters, and monitors color registration, consistency, and uniformity of the inks for the jobs using the digital press. The Pressroom Operator examines the quantity, specifications, color, and special instructions for the offset press jobs and checks for ink coverage, density, alignment, and registration. The Pressroom Operator works with the cutter, folder, collator/stitcher/trimmer, perforation/scoring/numbering, and hole drilling machines to meet specifications and finish the jobs as required. The Pressroom Operator performs routine daily maintenance of the presses and, occasionally, more complex repairs, and notifies the manager of the need for repairs beyond one’s capabilities.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required. Completion of vocational or technical schooling in printing operations is preferred.
Experience: At least four years of experience as a multi-color press operator is required and must include operation and maintenance of offset and associated equipment, in any type of commercial printing (job shops), graphic arts or printing business (newspapers, magazines). Digital press operation and maintenance experience is preferred.
Skills: Diagnostic skills in analyzing press operations, malfunctions, and the ability to troubleshoot, make repairs, or identify malfunctions for repair by qualified service technician is required. Mechanical ability in the use of small hand tools for making minor repairs or replacing inoperative components is required. Plate making and preparation skills, ink mixing skills, and familiarity with press chemicals, offset papers, and operation of a programmable paper cutter are required. The ability to use a densitometer or similar instrument is required. The ability to use software programs common in the printing industry is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: This position registers and examines printing products and makes adjustments in the quality of the printing based on visual observation. This position moves and transports boxes of paper from storage area to presses on a daily basis.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Produces quality finished print products by using front-end software or mechanical means to layout and execute the specifications provided by the designer, creates templates as needed, sets parameters, and monitors color registration, consistency, and uniformity of the inks, operates various printing presses, makes new offset plates or using existing offset plates for printing, determines the specified ink and paper stock to be used for each printing job as indicated on the print request form, uses electronic measuring devises to assure print quality and consistency, and monitors the operation of press machines and adjusting them as necessary.
2. Completes the printing request order as specified by assembling and finishing printing products such as newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, handbooks, bound reports, forms, and programs by verifying the specifications and setting up and operating a variety of bindery machines such as paper folders, cutters, staplers, and collators.
3. Performs preventative maintenance services on offset printing and machines by cleaning the press machines daily and lubricating them as prescribed in technical manuals, makes repairs and adjustments to printing machines within demonstrated capability to accomplish the repairs, and refers other repairs and services to the Printing Service Manager for resolution.
4. Assists with Printing Services operations by notifying the Printing Service Manager of the need to order paper, ink, and printing supplies, performing paper inventory annually, helping to unload and store paper stocks in the printing area, and advising the Printing Service Manager when supplies and/or equipment are needed.
5. Maintains and repairs postal service printing and sorting equipment as needed.
6. Performs preventive maintenance to reduce the likelihood for on-the-job injuries by maintaining a neat and clean work section and assisting in housekeeping or maintenance of other print shop areas as needed.
7. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
8. Remains competent and current with technology upgrades through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Printing Services Manager.
9. Contributes to the overall success of Printing Services by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Pressroom Operator is supervised by the Printing Service Manager and generally exercises no supervision of others.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2017
