Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

POSITON SUMMARY: 

Under general direction, performs journey-level work in the setup, operation, inspection, and routine maintenance of cylinder-type sheetfed offset printing presses. Produces single-color and multicolor printed materials in accordance with job specifications, production schedules, quality standards, and safe operating procedures. 

The position requires demonstrated ability to complete press makeready, maintain color and registration throughout a production run, troubleshoot printing problems, and inspect finished output. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Job Preparation and Makeready 

• Review job tickets, proofs, and production instructions to confirm quantities, stock, ink colors, dimensions, imposition, printing sequence, and finishing requirements. Resolve discrepancies before production. 

• Inspect press safety devices, guards, and operating systems before use. 

• Prepare and mount plates; inspect blankets, cylinders, and packing; make necessary adjustments. 

• Select, prepare, and mix inks to meet job specifications, including process and spot colors. 

• Prepare and adjust the dampening and inking systems to establish proper ink-and-water balance. 

• Set up the feeder, sheet separation, feedboard, side guides, grippers, impression settings, and delivery system for the specified stock. 

• Complete makeready and obtain required proof or matchprint approval before beginning the production run. 

Press Operation and Quality Control 

• Operate sheetfed offset presses at speeds appropriate to the stock, coverage, drying requirements, and required print quality.  

• Maintain consistent ink density, color balance, registration, and image quality throughout the run. 

• Use densitometers, registration marks, approved proofs, and other available quality-control tools to verify output. 

• Identify and correct problems such as misfeeds, double sheets, skewing, scumming, toning, hickeys, picking, slur, doubling, setoff, and inconsistent color. 

• Adjust the delivery, drying system where equipped, and spray powder as needed to prevent marking and support proper drying. 

• Perform and document quality checks at required intervals, including numbering checks when applicable. 

• Identify and segregate defective output. Notify the supervisor promptly of problems affecting quality, quantity, or the delivery schedule. 

Maintenance, Material Handling, and Production Records 

• Perform press washup, cleaning, lubrication, and routine maintenance in accordance with manufacturer instructions and shop procedures. 

• Troubleshoot equipment problems and perform minor repairs and adjustments within assigned responsibilities. 

• Report equipment defects and service needs promptly. Record downtime, corrective actions, and unresolved problems. 

• Handle, load, unload, and store paper, ink, and printed materials using approved methods and material-handling equipment. Operate a forklift only when trained and authorized. 

• Maintain accurate job records, including production quantities, spoilage, materials used, production time, and job status. 

• Keep the press area clean and orderly and follow required safety procedures. 

• Perform related duties consistent with the Level I assignment. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Level I -  

1. Five to eight years of full-time satisfactory experience as an offset printing operator: or   

1. A minimum of three years of full-time satisfactory offset printing press experience e as described in ”1” above and any combination of the following education and experience to make up the equivalent of five years of acceptable experience:   

1. Full-time satisfactory experience as an offset printing operator’s apprentice or helper: or   

1. Education in a technical high school, trade high school or vocational high school with a major course study in operating an offset printing press; or   

1. Graduation from a recognized trade school with a major in course of study in operating an offset printing press, with a minimum of 600 hours.   

Education must be approved by the state department of education or a recognized accrediting organization.     

1. Six months acceptable experience will be credited for each year of full-time satisfactory apprentice or helper experience as described above or for each year of completed relevant high school education as described above.     

1. Two years of acceptable experience will be credited for graduation from a recognized trade school as described above.   

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Demonstrated experience operating multicolor sheetfed offset presses. 

• Ability to independently complete makeready and maintain consistent production quality. 

• Working knowledge of process color, spot-color matching, ink density, registration, and paper characteristics. 

• Strong troubleshooting skills and sound judgment when correcting press or print-quality problems. 

• Ability to read job tickets, follow production instructions, and maintain accurate records. 

• Clear oral and written communication skills and effective coordination with Prepress, Bindery, and supervision. 

Physical and Scheduling Requirements 

The work involves prolonged standing, bending, reaching, and repetitive handling of materials weighing approximately 25–40 pounds, with appropriate handling equipment or assistance where required. 

Candidates must be available for rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime as operational needs require.