This is highly advanced skilled technical work in the operation of large offset lithographic printing presses.

Employees in this class adjust, maintain and operate offset printing presses capable of printing sheet sizes up to 19 inches by 26 inches with multiple printing units. Incumbents use advanced press electronics and perfecting capabilities to reproduce a variety of printed matter requiring mass production. Duties involve the production of flawless four-color process printing with pinpoint registration, over-printing of inks and varnishes, and the mixing of inks according to the Pantone Matching System. Works requires an advance skill level and technical knowledge of computer press controls for producing high quality lithography. Employees control a digitized press control system and an electronically controlled and speed compensated dampening system, and produce work utilizing a stream feeder system requiring precise-register sheet transfer. Duties include making micro-adjustments for register correction, utilizing and controlling infrared radiators for optimum drying, and use of transmission densitometers and conductivity meters. Production instructions are received through written instructions, review of layouts, mechanical art impositions, production dummies, and participation in pre-press conferences with customers and design staff. Supervision is received from a technical and administrative superior who reviews work in progress and upon completion for quality and adherence to job specifications.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Operates large offset multiple unit printing presses to produce complex and high quality lithography.

Installs printing plate(s) onto press and makes all adjustments necessary to achieve pinpoint accuracy.

Operates platemaking and camera equipment as required.

Performs stripping functions conducive to job specifications.

Selects raw material and cuts to size using computerized equipment.

Mixes specific inks according to Pantone Matching Systems.

Produces printed matter utilizing a wide variety of paper stocks, metallic and fluorescent inks, and varnishes.

In absence of supervisor, advises press operators on matters of press operation and provides assistance in emergency problem solving.

Maintains press equipment by proper preventive maintenance; makes minor repairs; assists in ordering replacement press parts and in coordinating major overhauls and rebuilding of press equipment.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of the operation, adjustment and maintenance of large offset lithographic printing presses.

Thorough knowledge of inks, papers, chemicals and plate materials used in offset printing.

Considerable knowledge of printing job specifications.

Knowledge of ultraviolet and aqueos coatings.

Ability to utilize infrared drying radiators to control ink drying.

Ability to strip negative flats for multi-color and process color printing.

Ability to burn negative flats to metal plates accurately for press production.

Ability to utilize densitometers for ink control.

Ability to utilize electronic and computerized in-line press controls to monitor equipment for mechanical malfunctions and quality control.

Ability to utilize conductivity meters to precisely guage dampening system.

Skill in printing.

Skill in the operation of large offset lithographic printing presses.

NEW 6-91