Digital Press Operator

SUMMARY: The Digital Press Operator role is responsible for the setup and operation of an HP Indigo Digital Press in accordance with the printing specifications and customer requirements/expectations.

• Performing routine maintenance on schedule and according to procedure—is essential to promote machine stability and dependability.
• Performing adjustments accurately, efficiently, and according to procedure—minimizing unexpected downtime and maintenance calls.
• Monitoring the printing process to maintain print quality—lost productivity and wasted consumables are often attributed to unnoticed output problems.
• Understanding machine capabilities—achieving optimum print quality.
• Measuring workflow efficiency requires evaluating the production process each time a unit of work leaves a stage in the production workflow. The efficiency measure is determined by achieving the following objectives: Predictable inputs and Predictable processes.
• Proper inspection of the results (to ensure predictability at each stage of the workflow process)
• Responsible for proper handling of consumables.
• Determining whether the process will be predictable by correctly performing preventative maintenance routines.
• Ensuring that the job is properly set up.
• Performing routine printing procedures, most of which require specific skills and aptitudes.
• Quality inspection, adherence to procedure, visual discrimination, print quality analysis, and judgment.
• The operator recognizes when routine adjustments are necessary, catching errors at the earliest possible stage to minimize production reworks.
• Duties may be changed or additional duties assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school or vocational/technical school diploma or certificate. Additional courses in Print Production or Operations and other similar functional areas are beneficial. Courses in chemistry, electronics, color theory, and physics are often helpful but not integral.

Background and experience in conventional offset press operation, preferably color printing or Digital Press print production operations. Understanding the basic concept of prepress. Experience in operating mechanical electromechanical equipment. Prior basic computer experience/aptitude. Color theory and practice.

MINIMUM DESIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Willingness to learn and inquisitive temperament.
• Understands and utilizes common hand tools and good manual dexterity.
• "Procedure-oriented" and methodical individual.
• Has an affinity for detail for quality control purposes.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of your business
• Good visual discrimination, excellent feeling for quality, and ability to visualize colors, including the ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
• Mechanical aptitude and skills to perform technical adjustment and maintenance of the Digital Press.

ABOVE AVERAGE COMPETENCIES:

• For an individual who prefers a clean and orderly work environment, proper maintenance of a Digital Press promotes machine stability.
• Analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Able to follow directions clearly and work well independently and in a team.
• Have had previous print production and/or related experience—color-printing experience would be preferred; not mandatory but may shorten the overall education experience.
• Ability to conduct tests and inspections to evaluate quality and performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Works in a manufacturing environment and may, on a continuous basis, stand for a long period of time and stoop and kneel frequently. May handle, feel, and reach for items in and around the press area, and also write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking, lifting, and/or moving up to 50 lbs. may be required. Vision: close vision, distance, and color vision to distinguish color variations, peripheral and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually medium to loud. Must be flexible to work varying schedules and hours as needed. Must be able to work overtime as required by workload and customer-mandated deadlines. The physical demands described above represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.