Job: Digital Press Operator

Requisition Number: D1368
Position Type: Full Time
Location: United States/Baltimore

Description:
Job Summary:

The Digital Press Operator, using the latest printing technology to help our clients effectively create and produce business cards, catalogs, high-quality banners, brochures, photo books, blueprints and much more.

Primarily responsible for producing quality digital print runs, printing and assembling proofs, performing QA, and managing (locating, cutting and staging) paper. Understand how the press and bindery equipment operate, and perform all tasks related to producing quality work. Maintain the Canon imagePRESS C7010VP (color digital press), Epson Stylus Pro 9700 Color Ink-Jet Printer, Canon Color ImageRUNNER C5185 and all bindery equipment in optimum condition with established maintenance procedures regardless of work volume.

Excellent understanding of printing basics, binding, color theory, computers and corresponding software such as file preparation software such as Adobe Creative Suites (particularly Acrobat Pro), Fiery and database management software. Assist and collaborate with the GS Image Center Production Manager with other production duties as needed. Continue to develop skills to industry standards in relation to both equipment and software.

Job Responsibilities:

• Schedule - Track and schedule production. Follow the schedule indicated whenever possible. Report challenges/propose alternatives to GS Image Center Production Manager.

• Press - Become an expert on the operation of the presses/copiers. Understand the different states the presses can possibly be in. Produce jobs per the schedule and the specific work order and proof instructions. Efficiently troubleshoot and resolve the issue when a maintenance problem or print quality issue develops.

• Proofs - Continually monitor proofs. Generate proof sheets per the schedule, setting up impositions when the press is printing something else to maximize efficiency. Print and QA proofs in a timely and efficient manner.

• Quality Assurance (QA) - Review proof output for accuracy of fonts, graphics, images, copy flow, imposition, bleeds, color, cut marks, registration, resolution, and back-up as compared to client lasers, indicated proof corrections, work order notations, and press layout per standard operating procedures. Maintain accurate records of work performed and product generated both in the job tracking system and on work orders. Use Adobe Acrobat to review individual page PDF files for accuracy of fonts, graphics, images, copy flow, imposition and bleeds as compared to client lasers, indicated proof corrections, work order notations and press layout per standard operating procedures. Manage the delivery of PDF files as email attachments as required for proofing. Review all proofs for file errors such as: improperly specified overprints, traps, picture backgrounds, layering of images, misspellings and other errors or omissions. Ensure all work performed conforms to quality requirements. Clearly and completely document errors found during all phases of the QA process per standard operating procedures. Do not reject a job until all elements have been reviewed to make sure all errors are caught and identified. Log out and deliver completed proof requests to the appropriate client and/or GS staff, adhering to all standard operating procedures.

• Digital Front End (DFE) - Be comfortable around a computer (Mac or PC). Understand the basics of folder/file theory. Be familiar with the Canon DFE, Fiery and Epson user interface. Be able to set up a job ticket. Be able to export a job from one press to another. Have the ability to archive jobs. Retrieve a job that has been printed and rerun that job.

• Maintenance - Perform all routine maintenance without damaging any part of the press. Know what to look for when checking to see if parts need to be replaced. Log all maintenance performed on machine. Track maintenance and report when inventory reaches a reorder point.

• Job Evaluation - Confirm job is imposed correctly and all resources needed to print the job are correct. Resources include; graphics, fonts, databases and anything else needed for the job to print. Troubleshoot any job that will not print.

• Quality Control - Carefully rule, sign and date a quality control sheet before every job is started, and review the printed product throughout the run. Inspect for consistency and accuracy of back-up, registration, cut marks, imposition, bleeds and color. Be able to adjust color as needed either by altering the CMYK curves at the DFE or by collaborating with a GS staff to alter the original files. Identify and eliminate spotting and streaking when they occur, utilizing diagnostic output and make a visual inspection of printed materials to determine which ORC (Operator Replaceable Component) are causing problems to effect repairs efficiently.

• ORC Management - Learn to identify when sub-standard quality issues indicate the need to replace an ORC. Identify the correct ORC and replace it. Learn to predict the need to switch out ORC for specific substrates and sheet sizes to maximize the life of ORC.

• Substrates - Become familiar with the best standard digital substrates for the equipment and be able to speak knowledgeably about different substrate types.

• Bindery - Operate the paper cutter to cut paper for press as needed. Trim final product as directed by work order. Assist when needed in relation to perfect binding, wire-o/coil binding or other assembly duties.

• General Knowledge - Be able to speak at a high knowledge level about the press and the process of sending a job to the press.

• Training/Mentoring - Instruct and mentor Digital Press Coordinator, new hires and other staff on all job responsibilities.

• Job Tracking - Input data as needed to maintain a job tracking system for all jobs. Become familiar with and continually update the various database management systems utilized which aid in the efficient tracking of production.

• Inventory - Review inventory levels throughout the day, and report any item that falls below pre-set inventory levels to make sure materials can be ordered and available as needed. Perform monthly inventory review to accurately identify current levels of all consumable and parts inventory.

• Communication - Advise GS Image Center Production Manager immediately when it becomes apparent the requested schedule is jeopardized. When customer-initiated issues compromise the delivery date, assist in determining a revised schedule.

• Professional Skill Enhancement - Attend all instructional seminars available on pressroom equipment, inks, paper, desktop publishing and printing techniques and examine the material presented.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

• Serves with Integrity

• Models Stewardship

• Cultivates Constructive Relationships

• Promotes Learning

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Indirect supervision - work closely with, have oversight of and mentor the Digital Press Coordinator.

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal - Graphic Services (design and Image Center staff), Charitable Giving,U.S. Operations, MarCom, Purchasing and Support Services.

• External - Paper and print vendors, service consultants and temporary staff.

Personal Skills:

• Ability to organize workload and self-start.

• Manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities.

• Excellent verbal and written communications.

• Good logic and math skills.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required.

• 5-10 years experience operating a 4-color digital printing press.

• 5-10 years experience related print experience.

• High degree of mechanical ability.

• Digital press certification preferred.

• Working knowledge of the following: Canon imagePRESS C7010VP (color digital press), Epson Stylus Pro 9700 Color Ink-Jet Printer, Canon Color ImageRUNNER C5185, pre-press and print production process including the design and desktop publishing techniques (including Fiery), bindery and finishing capabilities.

Physical Requirements/Environment:

• Accurate color vision, the ability to use current desktop publishing hardware and bindery equipment.

• Standing for long stretches.

• Regular kneeling, bending and stooping.

• Lifting 35 lbs. on a regular basis and up to 70 lbs. on occasion.

• Ability to travel by car, train or air.

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties and responsibilities associated with this position.

Note: All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application.

EOE/M/F/D/V