Prepress Technician

Responsibilities

• Manage the transmission of pages to all print sites, troubleshoot transmission systems, and distribute production schedules.
• Maintain communication with print sites regarding production updates and page adjustments.
• Monitor pages for technical errors and quality issues, and recommend actions to ensure quality and deadline adherence.
• Track production times and maintain detailed reports.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with editorial staff and photo editors to ensure high-quality product delivery and effective communication.
• Review color page proofs and perform necessary adjustments for optimal reproduction.
• Build and maintain page plans within production systems according to editorial specifications.
• Aid editorial users of the Methode pagination system with programming, troubleshooting, and training.
• Produce high-quality black-and-white and color image separations.
• Perform in-depth color correction, adjust contrast and brightness for newsprint, and optimize detail while preserving pixel integrity.
• Manage time effectively to meet deadlines, prioritizing complex or high-scrutiny imagery as needed.
• Stay current with departmental workflows, procedures, and emerging technologies.
• Proactively suggest improvements to existing processes to enhance production efficiency.

Requirements

• 1+ years of experience in prepress production, print operations, or a related technical print environment.
• Working knowledge of page transmission systems and troubleshooting production/output issues.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to monitor pages for technical and quality errors under deadline pressure.
• Experience with pagination systems (Methode experience preferred), including programming, troubleshooting, and user support/training.
• Proficiency in image correction and color separation for print, including adjusting contrast, brightness, and color for newsprint reproduction.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with editorial staff and photo editors.
• Strong time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize complex or high-scrutiny work under tight deadlines.
• A proactive approach to process improvement and staying current with emerging prepress technologies.