Press Assistant

Press Assistant

This role supports high-volume printing operations that produce retail labels for major grocery and retail chains. As a Press Assistant, you work alongside a press operator to keep production running smoothly by handling materials, monitoring product quality, and assisting with machine changeovers. This position offers structured training, clear advancement opportunities into a press operator role, and stable shift schedules in a clean, climate-controlled facility.

Responsibilities

• Support the press operator with general production and press assistant duties throughout the shift.
• Stand at the end of the press line to catch printed materials as they come off the machine.
• Inspect printed labels and materials for quality, accuracy, and consistency, and identify any defects.
• Box finished products neatly and securely, label boxes as needed, and palletize them for shipment or storage.
• Assist with changeovers by loading and changing large rolls of paper into the press, including rolls weighing 50+ pounds.
• Help change wet inks in the press, following safety and cleanliness procedures; be comfortable working with ink and getting hands-on with equipment.
• Operate or assist with machine operation as directed, including starting, stopping, and monitoring equipment under supervision.
• Perform general labor tasks such as banding, packaging, and assembly line work to support overall production flow.
• Follow all safety procedures, including wearing composite-toed or steel-toed shoes during interviews and shifts.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including cleaning up ink and production materials as needed.
• Work collaboratively with a team of 15-20 people per shift to meet production goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, punctuality, and a strong work ethic to support consistent production schedules.
• Participate in cross-training opportunities to learn additional tasks and prepare for advancement into a press operator role.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of manufacturing or production experience.
• At least 6 months of mechanical or mechanically inclined experience.
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds independently and assist with handling rolls of paper weighing 50+ pounds.
• Experience in general production, packaging, or general labor environments.
• Familiarity with machine operation, such as working as a machine operator, production worker, or press assistant.
• Experience with assembly line work, including tasks such as boxing, banding, inspection, and packaging.
• Ability to work safely in a loud production environment with ink odors.
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality, with at least 6 months of verifiable work experience and references.
• Willingness to complete and pass bg check and drug screening requirements.
• Comfort wearing composite-toed or steel-toed shoes for interviews and all working shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Printing or press experience is preferred but not required.
• At least 6 months of press operating or press assistant duties is preferred.
• Experience in printing press environments or with printing equipment is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in learning press operation.
• Interest in building a long-term career and learning a new technical skill.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production setting with repetitive tasks.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and quality standards.
• Openness to cross-training in different departments and roles.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive and supportive total rewards package designed to promote long-term stability and growth. The company provides a 3% 401(k) contribution regardless of employee contribution, offering a strong foundation for retirement savings. Once hired directly, employees receive weekly pay and reimbursement for composite or steel-toed shoes. Team members enjoy overtime opportunities across departments, structured cross-training, and a dedicated press operator training program that can lead to higher earnings and advanced roles. The organization offers 6 standard holidays and 6 floating holidays, along with 40 hours of sick time and paid time off, supporting work-life balance and personal well-being.

Work Environment

The facility is clean, well-maintained, and climate-controlled, providing a comfortable indoor working environment. The production area is loud due to running presses, and there is a noticeable ink smell that may not be suitable for everyone. Each shift typically includes 15-20 people, fostering a collaborative team setting. Press Assistants work on rotary shifts with consistent schedules: first shift runs Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; second shift runs Monday through Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to midnight; third shift runs Friday through Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 6:00 p.m. The role involves standing for long periods, performing repetitive tasks, and handling materials and equipment. Composite-toed or steel-toed shoes are required during interviews and all working shifts as part of the safety-focused dress code.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New Century, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New Century, KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.