Offset Press Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Press Helper / Press Assistant

Department: Pressroom Operations

Reports To: Shift Supervisor / Lead Pressman

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Job Summary

The Press Helper plays a critical role in maintaining efficient, continuous press operations. Working directly under the supervision of the Journeyman or Lead Pressman, the Press Helper prepares paper stock, assists with job make-readies, maintains chemical and ink levels, cleans equipment, and manages the continuous feeding and delivery of materials. This is an entry-level position designed to build foundational skills for advancement into a Second Pressman or Journeyman Pressman role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Stock & Material Handling

• Stage, inspect, jog (align), and load paper stock or web rolls into press feeders according to job tickets.
• Verify paper type, weight, size, and grain direction prior to loading.
• Monitor delivery piles to ensure printed sheets stack evenly without smudging, sticking, or static buildup.

2. Make-Ready & Press Preparation

• Assist the Pressman with fast, efficient job setups and turnover between production runs.
• Retrieve, prepare, and inspect printing plates, blankets, dies, and inks required for scheduled jobs.
• Fill and maintain ink fountains, fountain solutions, and solvent containers during production runs.

3. Washups & Equipment Maintenance

• Perform thorough washdowns of ink rollers, fountains, and blankets between color changes and job runs.
• Scrub blanket cylinders, clean plate cylinders, and clear waste paper from work areas.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, including greasing, lubricating, and replacing worn washup blades or filters under guidance.

4. Quality Control & Safety

• Perform visual checks on printed output for obvious defects (e.g., ink spots, hickeys, smudges, paper tears).
• Keep work stations clean, organized, and free of trip hazards or chemical spills (5S/lean environment).
• Strict adherence to lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols, safety guard rules, and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: Prior experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or commercial print environment preferred, but willingly entry-level for candidates with strong mechanical aptitude.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Basic hand-tool proficiency and comfortable working around high-speed industrial machinery.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly, stand/walk for 8–12 hours, and perform continuous bending, reaching, and stooping.
• Attention to Detail: Able to distinguish subtle color variations and follow written job tickets/work orders accurately.
• Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate smoothly with press operators in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Environment: Industrial pressroom environment with exposure to noise, ink odors, solvents, and paper dust (protective gear provided).
• Shift Availability: Must be open to rotating shifts, overtime, or weekend schedules as production schedules demand.