SENIOR OFFSET PRESS OPERATOR

00122

This is highly skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a variety of large and complex offset printing presses and related duplicating machines in a university or college printing department.

Employees are responsible for the quality printing of books, folders, brochures, newspapers, magazines, and other printed material on a variety of offset printing presses. An employee in this class sets up, adjusts, and operates a variety of large offset presses. Employees perform all maintenance with the exception of major overhaul of the presses as well as preventive maintenance. Work may involve training other employees to learn the operation of any of any of a variety of offset presses. This class of work differs from Offset Equipment Operator in both the skill level of machine operation and by the kinds and number of machines operated. Employees work independently under the general supervision of unit supervisor who makes assignments and reviews work in process to determine adherence to job specifications and established quality control standards.

Sets up, adjusts, and operates offset printing presses to print various materials into the desired form.

Washes ink rollers and ink fountain; makes adjustments to accommodate each job; mixes inks and chemicals to obtain desired color.

Maintains and requisitions duplicating supplies and materials.

Develops and maintains the correct pressure and registration between the plate, blanker, and paper while maintaining the proper balance between water and ink in order to obtain a clean, clear impression of the material being printed.

Makes minor adjustments necessary to successful printing operations, cleans and lubricates the press; makes fairly complex repairs to keep the press in good operational condition.

Performs related work is required.

Thorough knowledge of the basic principles and fundamentals of printing operations.

Thorough knowledge of and skill in the operation of a large offset printing press.

Considerable knowledge of the various kinds and grades of paper and ink.

Ability to detect defects in printed material while in process and make adjustments to correct them.

Ability to understand and effectively follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to train employees in the use of printing equipment and techniques.

Graduation from a standard high school supplemented with considerable experience in the operation of a variety of large offset presses; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.