Offset Press Operator

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

 

Alternate Job Titles: Senior Offset Press Operator, Lithographic Press Operator

Job Summary

Makes ready and operates cylinder-type sheet-fed lithographic offset printing press that puts ink and/or coatings on paper or other substrates by performing the following duties personally.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Verifies job specifications such as size, color, and type of paper and color of ink from job order.
• Determines and requisition correct materials, chemicals, and supplies.
• Adjusts feed guides, grippers, and chain or chute delivery for proper operation.
• Adjusts controls to regulate volume of ink.
• Packs impression cylinder or blanket cylinder with tissue or folio as necessary.
• Installs plate, registers job, .and produces proof sheet for approval.
• Runs proof sheets and checks first sheet against color proof for all colors printed to determine compliance with job specifications and print quality.
• Obtain proof sheet approval before printing job.
• Prints job maintaining optimum print quality and production speed, and completes required jobs in an efficient, safe, and cost-effective manner by maintaining proper adjustments of press controls, ink and fountain solutions, and automatic feeders and stackers.
• Maintains cleanliness of work area and equipment.
• Maintains a current knowledge of new or improved press methods, materials, equipment, and supplies, and makes purchasing recommendations .
• Selects and maintains a file of approved press sheets of all jobs for future reference.
• Ensures proper workstation cleanliness and press maintenance. Periodically lubricates press, and performs minor repairs as necessary.
• Assist in the training of press operators and helpers in setting up the press, installing blankets and plates, adjusting space between blanket and impression cylinder, adjusting water dampers, and mixing fountain solution for proper pH.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Carries out conduct and leadership responsibilities in accordance with company policies, procedures, safety, and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED): three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information to one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standard situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, humid conditions, fumes, toxic chemicals, and heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Some independent travel may be required.