Assistant Press Operator

ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS; Wasilla (AK); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Job summary

Anchorage Daily News in Wasilla, Alaska is seeking an Assistant Press Operator for a part-time role (~30 hours/week) at the Anchorage Daily News Press Facility. You will train on a web offset press, assist with setup, operation, and shutdown, and support post-press tasks as needed.

This entry-level position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adherence to production schedules. The program anticipates skill development toward independent press operation with progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning production equipment.
• Strong visual observation skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and learn through hands-on training.
• Ability to perform basic counting, addition, and subtraction.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to remain focused and work safely in a fast-paced production environment.
• Availability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup, operation, and shutdown of newspaper press equipment under supervision.
• Learn roll tending, plate preparation and installation, color setting, registration, folder operation, and stack-down duties.
• Review job instructions and confirm page sequence, color requirements, quantities, and other production specifications.
• Monitor press operations and inspect printed products for quality, making adjustments only as trained and authorized.
• Assist with waste tracking, equipment cleaning, lubrication, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Promptly report equipment problems, print-quality concerns, safety hazards, or unusual operating conditions.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Team player

Flexible schedule

Follow instructions

Job description

Job Description:

Assistant Press Operator

Company Description:

Anchorage Daily News is Alaskas most-read newspaper and news site. In addition to the Anchorage Daily News, our publications include the Alaska Journal of Commerce, Arctic Sounder, and Bristol Bay Times. Together, these publications provide trusted local journalism and help inform and connect communities throughout Alaska.

Role Description:

The Assistant Press Operator receives hands-on training and experience operating a web offset printing press. Under the direct supervision of an experienced press operator, the Assistant Press Operator assists with printing the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Journal of Commerce, Arctic Sounder, Bristol Bay Times, and publications printed for commercial customers. The Assistant Press Operator will be trained on press setup and operation, roll tending, plate preparation, color and registration control, folder operation, print-quality monitoring, waste reduction, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. As training progresses, the employee may be assigned additional responsibilities based on demonstrated knowledge, safe work practices, and profi ciency. Successful completion of training may provide an opportunity to advance to a Press Operator position based on performance and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with the setup, operation, and shutdown of newspaper press equipment under supervision.

Learn roll tending, plate preparation and installation, color setting, registration, folder operation, and stack-down duties.

Review job instructions and confirm page sequence, color requirements, quantities, and other production specifications.

Monitor press operations and inspect printed products for quality, making adjustments only as trained and authorized.

Assist with waste tracking, equipment cleaning, lubrication, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.

Promptly report equipment problems, print-quality concerns, safety hazards, or unusual operating conditions.

Follow all safety procedures, use required protective equipment, and maintain a clean and organized production area.

Work cooperatively with the production team to complete jobs safely, accurately, and on schedule.

Develop the skills necessary to operate assigned press components safely and independently.

Assist with post-press inserting, bundling, stacking, and related production support as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned. Training and Career Progression

This position is part of a structured skilled-trade development path designed to build the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to advance from Assistant Press Operator to Press Operator.

The employee will be eligible for an hourly wage increase at each annual progression review for up to four years, provided assigned training milestones and job expectations are met. Progression will be evaluated based on the three As: Attitude, Attendance, and Aptitude, along with safe work practices, print quality, technical skill development, and increasing independence.

Successful completion of the training path may lead to advancement to a Press Operator position with compensation appropriate for a skilled trade, based on demonstrated proficiency and business needs.

Required Skills & Experience

Mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning how production equipment operates.

Strong visual observation skills and attention to detail.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and learn through hands-on training.

Ability to perform basic counting, addition, and subtraction.

Dependable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.

Ability to remain focused and work safely in a fast-paced production environment.

Availability to work fl exible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on the production schedule.

Previous experience in printing, manufacturing, mechanical work, or a production environment is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a production environment.

Ability to frequently bend, reach, grasp, carry materials, and push or pull equipment and products.

Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds, including handling press roll shafts and production materials.

Ability to occasionally climb stairs or ladders and kneel.

Ability to safely work around and operate production equipment after receiving proper training.

Employment Type

Type: Part-Time, approximately 30 hours per week

Schedule: Weekday and Saturday evenings

Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Production

Location: Anchorage Daily News Press Facility, Wasilla, Alaska