This is skilled technical work in the operation of offset press or offset print equipment.

Employees in this class operate offset press equipment or complex offset print equipment to reproduce a variety of forms, brochures, posters, bulletins, contracts, manuals, booklets and other documents requiring mass production. Duties include operating, adjusting and maintaining offset process printing presses, operating single and double pass offset press equipment, production of paper and film plates, and operation of a variety of related duplicating and finishing equipment. Assignments are generally in the form of job specifications provided on individual work orders or by reference to mechanical art layouts and production dummys. Work is distinguished from the next higher class in that offset duplicating equipment is less complex procedurally and has limited color reproduction capability. Supervision is received from a technical or administrative superior who assigns job priorities and reviews work in progress and finished production for technical quality, timeliness and adherence to job specifications.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Operates offset press and offset print equipment to reproduce a variety of forms, brochures, posters, bulletins, newsletters, manuals, catalogs and other documents.

Reviews work orders, production folders, mechanical art layouts and dummys to determine nature of printing job; selects correct paper stock, cutting to required press size as necessary; mixes specified ink colors through reference to Pantone Mixing System guide, or other system.

Sets all press operating controls including cylinder pressure, ink fountain, air blowers, guides, delivery system, paper feeder and spray attachment to produce completed products with minimal waste of stock or supplies.

Clamps printing plates onto plate cylinder and adjusts plate position for proper registration; operates automatic plate cameras to produce replacement plates when necessary due to plate breakdown.

Operates offset printing presses including blanket-to-blanket perfecting equipment in a safe manner and at production speeds appropriate for paper weight and for the individual jobs being produced.

Maintains press equipment by proper oil and grease

lubrication; cleans, performs preventive maintenance and makes minor repairs as required.

Operates camera and film plate instruments to produce film plates, spaces and measures work for accuracy and centers work on camera bed; adjusts camera controls, adds equipment solution and film and produces finished product.

Assists or performs duties in finishing and binding including collating, stapling, stacking, jogging, wrapping and cutting.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of offset press and offset print equipment operation, adjustment and maintenance.

Considerable knowledge of the papers, inks, chemicals and films used in offset press and print and in camera reproduction operations.

Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of offset press and offset print equipment.

Knowledge of finishing and binding activities in a print shop.

Knowledge of printing job specifications.

Ability to operate complex offset press and print equipment and related reproduction equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to make required press adjustments to correct operating difficulties.

Ability to maintain routine records of printing production.

Physical strength and agility sufficient to lift heavy loads, stand for long periods of time and adjust equipment.

Skill in the operation of offset press, offset print and camera reproduction equipment.

Skill in printing.

NEW 10-86