Job Summary
The Pre-Press Technician sets the foundation for successful printing production. Under the direction of the Director of Marketing, the Pre-Press Technician performs a wide range of duties such as preparing diverse types of files, documents, and other materials. As a Pre-Press Technician, you will ensure that the proper format, appearance, and layout of text and images are set before the full print run is in production.
As a Pre-Press Technician, you are a member of the Marketing, Development, and Design Team, and together are responsible for supporting the company’s vision and mission. As a Pre-Press Technician, you will oversee proof documents needed by production, and you are in a strong position to ensure that high quality printed materials are delivered to our customers. This position requires great attention to detail, time management, and professionalism.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.
General and Administrative
- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor that reflects the company’s commitment to quality, continuous improvement and respect for all individuals.
- Communicate effectively with the Owners, the Sales Team, and the Production Team, informing and updating them regularly to guarantee that sales and customer objectives are met.
- Follow company systems and procedures.
- Participate as a key team player by supporting operations as needed.
- Comply with all OSHA safety requirements.
Pre-Press
- Perform all activities necessary to assure a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Prepare artwork for print-ready files.
- Review electronic files received from customers for completeness in advance of the plate making process.
- Using desktop publishing software, format the print job to the proper dimensions.
- Determine page layout, accounting for folds, trims, bleeds, and gripper. Add crop marks and color bars as necessary.
- Identify missing or problematic components and communicate them to the Customer Service Representative and Production Personnel.
- Prepare color proofs for customer reviews.
- Provide support to the marketing, development, and design team.
- Complete special projects as assigned.
- Follow and comply with all safety and work rules and regulations. Maintain departmental housekeeping standards.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent. Associate degree preferred.
- Graphic arts degree with a background in commercial printing preferred.
- Excellent pre-press file preparation, proof output, and digital printing knowledge and skills.
- Proven listening and strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate requests and actions in a concise, clear, and timely manner.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and InDesign user.
- Experience in sales or customer service and/or experience in the printing or graphic arts industries.
- Strong attention to detail and interested in preventing errors and solving problems.
- Demonstrated excellence in organization and time management skills.
- Able to perform multiple tasks efficiently.
- Strong computer and mathematical skills.
- Ability to move freely throughout the building to gather information as needed.
- Previous experience or an understanding of a Lean Manufacturing environment preferred.
Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, and reach
- Fast-paced environment at times: subject to schedule and priority changes and short notice activity.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. In the plant area, moderate to occasional loud noise level.
- Occasional exposure to ink, chemical fumes, and airborne particles.
