PRINTING MACHINE OPERATOR 2

Definition

Under the limited supervision of a Printing Machine Operator 4 or other supervisory official in a State department, agency, institution, or in a local jurisdiction, sets up, operates, repairs, and cleans various printing operation equipment such as offset presses, cutting machines, and digital printers (copiers); determines appropriate printing material, printing techniques, and printing styles; reviews finished items; works independently and/or with a team on tasks of moderate difficulty; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Sets up, operates, and adjusts offset presses, plate makers, cutting machines, folding machines, stapling machines, collators, padding units, paper drills, electric punching machines, and/or binding machines.
• Corrects printing press problems such as tinting, scudding, streaks, slow drying, and/or double images.
• Mixes chemicals and/or other solutions.
• Programs digital printers (copiers), cutters, folders, numbering machines, and other finishing equipment that utilize intelligent interfaces.
• Scans hard copy originals, converting them to usable digital formats.
• Produces metal and polyester plates.
• Removes residue from digital printers (copiers), offset presses, plate makers, cutting machines, cutters, folding machines, and/or stapling machines.
• Corrects mechanical binding products such as folding, stapling, drilling, cutting, stitching, and/or padding.
• Assembles (binds) books, booklets, and/or other printed materials.
• Arranges materials, equipment, parts, and supplies for inventory control.
• Modifies books and/or other printed materials.
• Analyzes incoming print requests.
• Selects paper stock and ink.
• Identifies problems with printing equipment, graphics equipment, and/or binding equipment.
• Determines appropriate printing techniques.
• Verifies that quantity and type of item ordered matches invoice.
• Proofreads material for accuracy.
• Assists with the requisition, distribution, and monitoring the use of materials, equipment, parts, and/or supplies.
• Assists with adjusting stock levels for anticipated needs.
• Recommends styles of printed materials.
• Reviews samples, such as blue-line, press, binding, typesetting, and/or final samples.
• Establishes and maintains files and records.
• Computes numerical data by addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.
• Estimates necessary quantity of time, costs, materials, and personnel for the accomplishment of assignments or goals.
• Designs layouts of graphic and/or printed materials, and produces layouts using files to be printed.
• Determines appropriate graphic arts techniques.
• Provides technical advice and information to staff and peers.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Possession of a high school diploma or a GED.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the operation of printing press equipment and the development of printing techniques and styles.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures for setting up, operating, adjusting, and cleaning offset presses, plate makers, folding machines, cutting machines, collators, stapling machines, digital printers (copiers), electric punching machines, binding machines, paper drills, and padding units.
• Knowledge of printing techniques.
• Knowledge of the types of paper stock.
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of printing equipment, graphic arts equipment, and printing ink.
• Knowledge of basic file formats used for digital printing.
• Knowledge of the chemicals and solutions used in printing.
• Knowledge of procedures for producing metal and polyester plates.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of copy preparation, composition, and layout.
• Knowledge of the techniques for binding books, booklets, and other printed materials.
• Knowledge of layout procedures.
• Knowledge of filing and record keeping procedures.
• Knowledge of established safety procedures and guidelines.
• Knowledge of postal regulations regarding envelope and postcard size.
• Knowledge of the techniques of interpersonal communication.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, decimals, percentages, and fractions.
• Ability to follow oral and written orders, directions, and plans.
• Ability to perceive color differences.
• Ability to identify and correct problems with printing, binding, and graphic equipment.
• Ability to make precise measurements.
• Ability to determine whether products or services meet printing specifications.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to read with comprehension.
• Ability to check numerical and printed material for accuracy.
• Ability to convey information in an organized written format.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Ability to set up, operate, adjust, and clean offset presses, plate makers, folding machines, cutting machines, collators, stapling machines, digital printers (copiers), electric punching machines, binding machines, paper drills, padding units.
• Ability to convert pica and point to inches.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.