Bindery Operator

About the role

The Bindery Operators are responsible for operating various finishing machines to process and finish printed products. This role requires a combination of manual and automated equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Binds sheets of paper or signatures into complete saddle stitched and trimmed booklets by operating an automated bindery finishing machine.
• Jogs and cuts paper and board stock to required sizes for printing and cuts and trims finished products using a cutter.
• Folds sheets of paper into folders or signatures, finished or unfinished, using a folding machine.
• Operates small binding machines and drills or perform manual binding operations including tabber, laminator, or collator.
• Reads and understands the job ticket, layout sheet, artwork and other specifications before beginning the assigned job.
• Asks any questions or reports and problems regarding the assigned job.
• Sets up, operates and maintains all pieces of equipment which make up a part of the various binding and finishing equipment in a full-service bindery operation.
• Ensures good housekeeping practices are followed in order to maintain a clean, healthful and safe work area around the binding equipment for employees and customers.
• Records the quantity of good sheets or product finished on the back of the job ticket.
• Records the amount and type of materials used on the job on the time sheet.
• Operates a manual and battery-operated lift jack.
• Maintains quality control at a level that meets or exceeds the demands of the individual jobs.
• Pulls and labels run samples with tags and marks.
• Participates in and/or supports any formal quality programs such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) or Total Quality Management (TQM), as requested.
• Operates and maintains all pieces of equipment which make up a part of the various binding and finishing equipment in a full-service bindery operation.
• Ensures good housekeeping practices are followed in order to maintain a clean, healthful and safe work area around the binding equipment for employees and customers.
• Records the quantity of good sheets or product finished on the back of the job ticket.
• Records the amount and type of materials used on the job on the time sheet.
• Operates a manual and battery-operated lift jack.
• Maintains quality control at a level that meets or exceeds the demands of the individual jobs.
• Pulls and labels run samples with tags and marks.
• Participates in and/or supports any formal quality programs such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) or Total Quality Management (TQM), as requested.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
• 3 – 5+ years of experience as a binder operator
• Full comprehension in reading work instructions and business memos
• Effective communications skills with all levels within the organization
• Basic math skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurements and critical thinking, to solve practical problems
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations and meet stringent deadlines
• Organized and able to plan, prioritize and follow through on projects assigned with minimal supervision
• Basic computer skills
• Self-motivated, reliable, quality, and safety oriented
• Physical Requirements: Requires use of proper body mechanics with pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting, squatting, kneeling and bending
• Pushing/pulling and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Requires fine motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity and coordination
• Requires near visual acuity
• Requires working around and operating departmental equipment
• Requires the ability to function in a professional manner under stressful circumstances