PRINTING OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN

Code: 52510 Unknown Unknown

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

A position in this category typically analyzes printing requests; determines appropriate printing techniques; estimates the quantity of time, costs, materials or personnel for assignments; consults with vendors or contractors; provides technical advice to staff; sets up, operates, and adjusts copier machines.

UNIQUE AND DISTINGUISHING TASKS OR CLASSIFICATION FACTORS

NOTE: Unique and distinguishing tasks are shown only for illustrative purposes and do not solely determine the level of a position within a job category. Unique tasks pertain only to the job level identified; distinguishing tasks are performed with greater frequency or are of greater importance to the overall job level.

Level 1

A position at this level typically performs entry level tasks for the job category.

Level 2

A position at this level typically receives less direct supervision than positions at Level 1 and are permitted to exercise some independent judgment in carrying out their assignments.

Level 3

A position at this level typically plans, organizes and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.

Level 4

A position at this level typically plans, organizes and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates the performance and conduct of first line supervisors, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Unique Tasks: Writes requests for proposals (RFPs)

Examples of work

• NOTE: The above Job Category Summary and following examples of work are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed.
• Analyzes incoming print requests
• Reviews samples, such as blue-line, press, binding, typesetting or final
• Selects paper stock
• Determines appropriate printing techniques
• Recommends styles of printed materials
• Estimates necessary quantity of time, costs, materials or personnel for the accomplishment of assignments or goals
• Verifies that quantity and type of item ordered matches invoice
• Writes technical specifications for purchase of equipment, supplies and parts
• Examines documents for adherence to applicable laws and regulations
• Determines appropriate graphic arts techniques
• Writes technical, statistical or financial reports
• Determines when printing request should be sent to outside vendors
• Selects ink
• Adjusts stock levels for anticipated needs
• Verifies entered data against source documents
• Monitors the use of materials, equipment, parts or supplies
• Calculates rates, cost, fees, taxes or other amounts consistent with schedules, formulas or other established procedures
• Identifies problems with printing equipment
• Records the use of materials, equipment, parts or supplies
• Designs layouts of graphic or printed materials
• Obtains current price quotes for special purchases
• Informs individuals of procedures necessary for completion of forms or applications
• Provides technical advice to staff, peers or management
• Consults with vendors or contractors
• Interviews individuals for needed information
• Requests information from vendors on materials, equipment, parts or supplies
• Informs the responsible person or organization of difficulties, accomplishments, plans or goals
• Consults with outside agencies or individuals about information necessary for job assignments
• Operates copiers
• Adjusts copy machines for density and contrast
• Sets up copiers
• Corrects printing press problems such as tinting, scumming, streaks, slow drying or double images
• Manipulates (uses) various drafting equipment such as T-squares, compasses or triangles
• Operates cutting machines

Education

REQUIRED FOR ALL LEVELS

Completion of a vocational, technical, or specialized training program in graphic and printing communications with course work including printing techniques, copy preparation, composition and layout, and graphic art.

Experience

Level 1

Two (2) years of experience in work involving printing and graphic art techniques, layout, equipment, and supplies.

Level 2

Three (3) years of experience in work involving printing and graphic art techniques, layout, equipment, and supplies.

Level 3

Five (5) years of experience in work involving printing and graphic art techniques, layout, equipment, and supplies.

Level 4

Seven (7) years of experience in work involving printing and graphic art techniques, layout, equipment, and supplies. Three (3) years of the required experience shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• COMMON TO ALL LEVELS
• Knowledge of printing techniques
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of copy preparation, composition and layout
• Knowledge of the types of paper stock
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of printing inks
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of printing equipment
• Knowledge of commercial printing plant operations
• Knowledge of procedures for operating cutting machines
• Knowledge of procedures for operating copiers
• Knowledge of record keeping procedures
• Knowledge of standard English grammar; for example, syntax, punctuation, verb agreement, or tense
• Knowledge of postal regulations regarding envelope and postcard size
• Knowledge of procedures for requisitioning materials, equipment, parts or supplies
• Knowledge of inventory control
• Knowledge of basic interviewing techniques
• Knowledge of layout procedures
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of graphic arts equipment
• Knowledge of bidding procedures
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of cost-benefit analysis
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, using decimals, percentages and fractions
• Ability to establish goals and set priorities
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in the administration or coordination of programs, plans or projects
• Ability to make precise measurements
• Ability to determine whether products or services meet printing specifications
• Ability to correct printing press problems
• Ability to adjust copiers
• Ability to compare written or printed material for accuracy
• Ability to compare numerical material for accuracy
• Ability to perceive color differences
• Ability to collect data through questioning
• Ability to apply laws, rules or regulations to given situations
• Ability to summarize information in written form
• Ability to make appropriate inferences and deductions based on various types of source materials
• CHARACTERISTIC
• Level 3 and 4
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision
• Ability to schedule and organize unit work activities and identify and resolve problems which arise
• UNIQUE AND DISTINGUISHING
• Unique
• Level 4
• Knowledge of warehousing procedures
• Distinguishing
• Level 4
• Knowledge of reimbursement programs and procedures
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of contract negotiation
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of program monitoring
• Knowledge of procedures for cleaning copiers
• Knowledge of public information principles and techniques

SUBSTITUTION

Level 1 and 2 - Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute two (2) years of additional nonsupervisory experience.

Level 3 and 4 - Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute three (3) years of additional nonsupervisory experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING JOB CATEGORIES, please refer to the Job Specification Information Sheet available at the New Jersey Department of Personnel or your agency's personnel office.

Occupational Group: Printing

Occupational Family: Printing Operations

Title Salary Work Title Level Code Range Week Reference Number 01 A-15 3512 101 (C) 02 A-18 3512 102 (C) 03 R-20 NE12 103 (C) 04 S-22 NE12 104 (C)

Effective Date: 6/03/2008

This job specification is for State and Local government use.