Press Operator Careers In The Printing Industry

The second part of the printing process is when the items are actually printed. Printing press operators prepare, operate and maintain printing presses.

Duties of printing press operators vary according to the type of press they operate -- offset, gravure, flexography, screen printing or letterpress. Duties also vary by the size of the print shop. In small shops, operators generally use small presses. These presses print one or two colors at a time and are operated by one person. In larger print shops with larger presses, several press operators and assistants may work together. These presses print several colors at once as well as trim and fold the page.

Many printing shops are adding computer-controlled presses. With this equipment, operators monitor the printing process on a control panel where they push buttons to make adjustments.

Learning Position

Summary

General worker with a variety of duties supporting operators and assistants in the press area.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support operators and other workers in press area.
• Learn basic skills of press operations and maintenance

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Mechanical aptitude and measurement skills
• Pays careful attention to detail and an appreciation for quality
• Must be able to lift and move at least 50 lbs.
• Willingness to learn the responsibilities of the operator III position
• Ability to work as a team with the operator and take initiative in performing duties
• Technical college training recomended

Press Operator III

Summary

Assists press operators the manual and machine tasks in the set-up, maintenance and
operation of a printing press.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Back-up and support operators
• Learn press machines

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience as helper
• Knowledge of press systems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Mechanical aptitude and measurement skills
• Pays careful attention to detail and an appreciation for quality
• Must be able to lift and move at least 50 lbs.
• Willingness to learn the responsibilities of the press operator position
• Ability to work in a team-based environment
• Technical college training recomended

Press Operator II

Summary

Sets-up and operates any of a wide variety of sophisticated mutli-color presses.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs manual and machine operator tasks in the set-up, maintenance and operation of a printing press.
• Takes direction from lead operator where applicable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Previous experience as helper, feeder and press operator
• Knowledge of features and systems of the press
• Thorough understanding of printing press process
• Mechanical aptitude and measurement skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Pays careful attention to detail and an appreciation for quality
• Practical creativity and flexibility
• Ability to lead a team
• Ability to work in a team-based environment
• Must be able to lift and move at least 50 lbs.
• Computer literacy
• Willingness to learn the responsibilities of the Operator I position
• Technical college training recomended

Lead Operator

Summary

Highly skilled and trained. Oversees all phases of the operation and maintenance of a press. Evaluates situations and make decisions to ensure the quality of the finished product.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for set-up, operation and result of product
• Knows equipment intimately
• Performs routine maintenance
• Trains lesser skilled operators

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 4 - 6 years operating experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Decision maker and problem solver
• Mechanical aptitude and basic math skills
• Pays careful attention to detail
• Practical creativity and flexibility
• Must be able to lift and move at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to evaluate situations, make decisions and diagnose and solve problems
• Ability to lead a team
• Willingness to learn
• Technical college training recomended

Press Operations Supervisor

Summary

Continual learning position. New leadership skills required. Team leader on shop floor. Manages the production of print projects on the press.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for all employees on shop floor
• Resolves day-to-day problems
• Scheduling production/assembly processes
• Monitoring/maintaining production rates and quality

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Requires high level of practical skill in the operation of the production processes involved
• Ability to maximize productivity and quality
• Good leadership skills in the development of management of production workers
• Ability to evaluate situations, make decisions, and diagnose and solve problems
• Willingness to learn
• College degree recommended