JOB PRINTER

Job Definition:

• Printers set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, newspaper and other printing presses.

Job Description:

• Set type according to copy; operate press to print job order; and read proof for errors and clarity of impression, and correct imperfections. Job printers are often found in small establishments where work combines several job skills.

Duties and Tasks:

• 1) Clean ink rollers after runs are completed.
• 2) Design and set up product compositions and page layouts.
• 3) Examine proofs or printed sheets in order to detect errors and to evaluate the adequacy of impression clarity.
• 4) Fill ink fountains and move levers to adjust the flow of ink.
• 5) Operate cylinder or automatic platen presses to print job orders.
• 6) Reset type to correct typographical errors.
• 7) Set feed guides according to sizes and thicknesses of paper.
• 8) Insert spacers between words and leads between lines.
• 9) Lay forms on proof presses; then ink type, fasten paper to press rollers, and pull rollers over forms to make proof copies.
• 10) Place chases over type, insert quoins, and lock chases to hold type in place.
• 11) Position forms (type in locked chases) on beds of presses; then tighten clamps, using wrenches.
• 12) Remove assembled type from galleys and place type on composing stones.
• 13) Select type from type cases, and insert type in printers’ sticks to reproduce material in copy.
• 14) Slide type from sticks into galleys.
• 15) Tap typefaces with hammers to improve the quality of impressions.

Activities:

• 1) Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• 2) Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 3) Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 4) Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• 5) Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• 6) Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• 7) Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 8) Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• 9) Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Abilities:

• 1) Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
• 2) Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• 3) Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• 4) Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
• 5) Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Knowledge

• 1) Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• 2) English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.