Assistant Offset Press Operator

Performs any combination of following duties to assist printing press operator to make ready, operate, and maintain roll-fed or sheet-fed, single-or-multicolor flatbed, cylinder, offset, flexographic, or web press: Assists press operator to install paper packing sheets on impression cylinder, fasten reinforcing bars to metal printing plates and offset blankets, and install plates and blankets on press cylinders, using handtools and power tools. Adjusts machine parts, such as feed and delivery mechanisms, suction grippers, guides, feed wheels, jogging device, tapes, and cams as directed by press operator, using handtools. Lifts and positions roll of paper in feed mechanism, using chain hoist, or positions skid of unprinted sheets on feed device, using handtruck or electric lift-truck. Removes loaded skid of printed material from stacking mechanism, using handtruck, and replaces with empty skid. Fills fountains with ink paste, using spatula. Tends press in absence of press operator. Observes mechanical operation and indicating gauges, such as ammeter and air pressure gauges to ensure that specified operating levels are maintained and makes specified adjustments or notifies press operator when malfunction occurs. Assists in lubrication of press, using grease gun and oilcan. Assists press operator to remove and replace worn rollers and adjust pressure between rollers, using handtools. Cleans ink and distributing rollers, ink fountains, and printing type, using cleaning solvent, brush, and rags. Cleans press and work area, using vacuum cleaner, brush, and airhose. Keeps daily time, production, and material usage reports. Assists in exposing and developing printing plates. Regulates temperature of gas-fired drying units. May be required to serve apprenticeship.