Offset Press Operator

Description

The Press Operator A is accountable for all aspects of press performance, leading, giving directions to, and monitoring the work of Assistant Press Operators and functions of the feeder and jogger. This role involves operating sheet-fed offset printing presses to print single and multicolor copy from lithographic plates.

Essential Job Functions

• Records sheet counts and performs line clearance.
• Examines job orders to determine quantity to be printed, stock specifications, colors, and special printing instructions.
• Verifies copy for customer approval or signed color standards.
• Sets plates and fountains to provide correct thickness on rollers; saves plate setting to computer.
• Fills ink and dampening solution fountains and adjusts controls to regulate ink and dampening solution flow to the plate cylinder.
• Applies packing sheets to the blanket cylinder to build up blanket thickness to the diameter of the plate cylinder.
• Loads or removes printing plates and installs and locks coating plates in position.
• Starts the press and examines printed copy for ink density, position on paper, and registration.
• Understands how to achieve color by using the spectrophotometer and makes adjustments to the press throughout the production run to maintain specific registration and color density.
• Makes adjustments to the press throughout the production run to maintain specific registration and color density.
• Removes and cleans coating plates, printing blankets, and cylinders.
• Will assist in the repair and preventative maintenance of the press.
• Will serve as a trainer for the Press Operator B and C positions.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, safety rules, security procedures, and instructions.
• Performs all duties according to established safety policy, including wearing all required PPEs to perform duties.
• This position will help keep the department in specs within all 5S and SQF guidelines and immediately report any food safety concerns to management.
• Will be responsible for other duties as assigned by the Printing Manager or Shift Supervisor.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years work-related experience in a manufacturing environment running a multiple color printing press and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Good mathematical ability, including good understanding of measurements.
• Good computer skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work with little supervision.