Production Assistant

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist in several manufacturing areas to include the Press, Plate and Mail rooms of the nightly printing plant operation.
• Reel Room duties include: Roll handling, roll preparation, paster make-up, reel stand operation, tension system settings, web leading and the sorting and weighing of waste newsprint.
• Mailroom duties include: List preparation, MCS programming, operation of labeling equipment, stackers, bundle strapping and wrapping machines, and conveyors in addition to error bundle correction and proper dispatching of printed copies.
• Pressroom duties include: Web leading; cleaning of blankets, rollers, press parts and systems; checking, spotting, mounting, and removing plates.
• Plateroom duties include:·
• The operation of PC-based imaging and press proof software applications
• Imaging and processing plates and verifying registration
• Checking plates to ensure both are free of defects and verifying printed copies for accuracy and quality
• Communicating with and monitoring pre-press communications via electronic messaging or phone for critical run time information and relaying information to management
• Operation of production information management system software (PDIMS) to record nightly run time data, such as film and plate lockup times, and tracking consumables
• Assistance with cleaning and scheduled preventative maintenance of equipment and general housekeeping.
• Transportation Work includes using various printing devices to print reports, top wraps, and labels and creating circulation reports to distribute via hard copy and electronically, and preparation of postal reports.
• Additional duties may be assigned from time to time.

Skills:

• A team player mindset and are self-motivated.
• 0-2 years of experience - will train.
• Ability to stand for 7.25 hours, be able to lift 50 lbs., kneel, bend, stoop and reach out and overhead, climb stairs and ladders and push rolls of newsprint, and operate heavy equipment with 4 levels of moving parts
• High School Graduate/GED or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to work in a fast paced deadline oriented environment with quick decision making ability
• Good color perception and are mechanically inclined
• Problem solving skills.
• Previous experience in a production environment preferably in cold web offset newspaper printing production environment.
• Distribution/mail packaging experience a plus, working on conveyor lines, with stacking and strapping equipment
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in the use of business PC applications and press controls.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications, email, and Google suite of applications
• Hours of work 24-30hrs per week, every Sunday and Friday and two other weekdays

Education/Experience:

• Min. High School Diploma