Summary: The Journeyman Press Operator is responsible for skilled operation, setup, adjustment, and maintenance of printing presses as part of a production team, ensuring quality and efficiency. Highlights: 1. Skilled operation, setup, and maintenance of printing presses 2. Identify, troubleshoot, and correct production issues collaboratively 3. Lead press operations and coordinate team activities when assigned Job Title: Journeyman Press Operator Job Summary The Journeyman Press Operator is responsible for the skilled operation, setup, adjustment, and maintenance of the printing press as part of a production team. The Journeyman Press Operator is expected to have a thorough understanding of press operations and the ability to identify and correct production issues while working collaboratively with other members of the press crew. The Journeyman Press Operator is responsible for maintaining production standards, minimizing waste and downtime, and ensuring that finished products meet established quality requirements. When assigned as the lead operator, this position directs press operations and coordinates the activities of other members of the press crew to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. Duties and Responsibilities Obtain and review job information, specifications, and work orders from the prepress department. Set up and prepare the press for production, including loading plates, presetting inks, and establishing proper registration as part of the press crew. Set and maintain registration, timing, folding, ink settings, and color balance throughout production. Operate the press as part of a team and monitor all aspects of the printing process, including web width and edge position, color, registration, folding, print quality, and overall press performance. Identify, troubleshoot, and correct press, material, plate, ink, registration, web tension, and mechanical problems in coordination with the press crew. Make necessary press adjustments to maintain consistent quality and efficient production throughout the entire run. Establish and maintain color values and match printed products to approved proofs and established quality standards. Monitor production waste and work with the press crew to make adjustments that maximize product quality while minimizing waste. Document production issues, including material problems, downtime, mechanical issues, plate-related problems, and other significant production concerns. When designated as lead operator, direct and coordinate the activities of other members of the press crew during assigned production runs. Communicate production requirements, problems, and changes clearly to pressroom personnel, prepress, management, and other departments as necessary. Work collaboratively with other members of the press crew to maintain efficient workflow and meet production requirements. Ensure that completed jobs are properly finished, counted, bundled, labeled, and prepared for the next stage of production or delivery. Complete all required production paperwork and documentation accurately. Maintain accurate inventory reports for pressroom supplies and communicate supply needs to management. Maintain the press, pressroom, tools, and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition. Perform routine cleaning and maintenance necessary to maintain reliable press operation. Follow all company safety procedures and ensure safe operating practices are maintained during press operations. Assume lead responsibility for press operations when the designated press lead or supervisor is absent or when otherwise assigned. Perform other related duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements Demonstrated experience operating a commercial printing press as part of a production crew. High mechanical aptitude and the ability to diagnose and correct mechanical and production problems. Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistent print quality. Ability to set up and operate the press for a variety of printed products while working effectively as part of a press crew. Ability to lead and coordinate the work of other press crew members when assigned as lead operator. Cold-set web printing experience strongly preferred. Thorough knowledge of commercial printing processes, including but not limited to: Setting up the press for various types of printed products. Recognizing, diagnosing, and correcting press problems. Setting and maintaining proper ink and water balance. Setting color to an approved proof. Setting and maintaining registration for four-color printing. Adjusting web tension. Setting and adjusting press rollers. Setting up and adjusting press folders. Reading and interpreting press work orders and production specifications. Monitoring print quality throughout a production run. Maintaining safe operating practices and understanding the hazards associated with printing press operations. Ability to maintain accurate paper counts, finished product counts, and bundling requirements. Ability to maintain maximum quality while minimizing production waste. Ability to work cooperatively with other members of a press crew and provide direction when serving as lead operator. Ability to assess press conditions and make appropriate decisions regarding press operation, adjustments, troubleshooting, and production priorities. Ability to communicate effectively with production, prepress, management, and other members of the company. Must be able to take and provide written and verbal direction. Must wear required personal protective equipment in the pressroom, including hearing protection. Forklift certification and experience preferred. Working Conditions Pressroom: High-noise environment with moving machinery and varying temperatures. Concrete floors. Work requires regular exposure to printing inks, paper, press equipment, and industrial machinery. Physical Demands Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs and ladders, reach, kneel, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds. Must have sufficient visual acuity to inspect printed material, registration, color, and print quality, with excellent color perception with or without corrective lenses. Work Schedule Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to completion of production (typically around Noon-2 PM) Typical schedule is approximately 32–40 hours per week. Due to the nature of commercial printing operations, actual hours may vary based on production requirements and may require arriving early, staying beyond the scheduled end time, or, on rare occasions, working weekends. Reliable attendance and reliable transportation are essential requirements of this position.
Craigslist · HR
Craigslist · HR
