Prepress Technician

Job Summary: Prepare customer supplied electronic files for output using software on the Macintosh and Windows OS platforms. Maintain equipment within the department.

Production Duties:

1. Tasks:
   • Read workorder as well as all notes and instructions (customer notes, digital paperwork, etc.).
   • Check document size and margins.
   • Check document colors (process or spot). Fix any unused or extra colors in document.
   • Check and extend bleed allowances as necessary.
   • Verify that fonts are working properly/troubleshoot when necessary.
   • Verify that graphics and images process correctly/troubleshoot when necessary.
   • Make necessary adjustments in order for the document to refine/RIP correctly.
   • Save pages as PDF or Encapsulated PostScript for the intended workflow.
   • Process files through Prinergy or Rampage. Adjust trap as needed.
   • Perform basic troubleshooting of files that error throughout the workflow.
   • Work directly with CSR, sales rep or client to resolve issues/problems.
   • Maintain all equipment related to department
   • Follow all required safety procedures such as: PPE's, Ergonomics, Chemical Hazards, etc. Perform job in a manner that protects the health and safety of all employees.
2. Skills required
   • Working knowledge of the Macintosh and Windows operating systems.
   • Working knowledge of the following software:
     • Adobe Acrobat
     • Adobe Acrobat Distiller
     • Adobe InDesign
     • Adobe Illustrator
     • Adobe PageMaker
     • Adobe Photoshop
     • Enfocus PitStop
     • Internet Explorer web browser
     • MS Excel
     • MS Publisher
     • MS Word
     • Safari web browser
     • WinZip
   •  
   • Working knowledge of font handling and troubleshooting.
   • Working knowledge of digital workflow and trapping.
   • Working knowledge of bindery and press specifications and mail specifications (drill allowance, margins, bleeds etc.).
   • Working knowledge of PDF creation.
   • Understanding of printing process.

Other Responsibilities:

1. General sweeping and cleaning of respective work area and department.
2. Perform other duties as directed.

Job Qualifications:

1. Working knowledge of Macintosh and Windows operating systems
2. Familiarity of page layout, image manipulation, drawing and PDF handling software.
3. Previous experience or education in Graphic Arts.
4. Demonstrate good attention to detail.
5. Demonstrate good judgement regarding positioning requirements.
6. Demonstrate troubleshooting skills.
7. Demonstrate effective communication skills.
8. Strong mathematical skills.
9. Be able to read a ruler and convert fractions to decimals.
10. Work effectively without direct supervision.
11. Ability to learn quickly.
12. Ability to understand new concepts.
13. Work overtime as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensure processors are in proper operating condition. Perform assigned maintenance activities according to departmental procedures.
• Punch plates. Set up the plates to be processed, and process according to departmental procedures.
• Inspect plates for adherence to quality standards and customer specifications.
• Deliver plates to pressroom for printing.
• Make plotters
• Ensure an adequate inventory of departmental supplies.
• Participate on cross-functional teams to ensure the continuous, on-going improvement of processes, methods, productivity and quality, while reducing costs.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Complete and maintain all required paperwork, records, documents, etc.
• Maintain departmental housekeeping standards.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Requires one to three years of trade training and three to twelve months' related experience; or a combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.