Bindery Operator

Mittera; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Mittera in Urbandale, IA is seeking a Bindery Operator to operate stitcher/trimmers, cutters, folders, and related equipment. You will read job tickets, set up machines, and ensure quality control while meeting tight deadlines.

Ideal candidates have 3–5+ years in binding, strong math skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and collaboration within the bindery team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 3–5+ years of experience as a binder operator.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and specs.
• Strong attention to detail and math skills for measurements.

Responsibilities

• Operate bindery finishing equipment to assemble and trim booklets.
• Read job tickets and specifications before starting work.
• Maintain equipment and ensure clean, safe work area.
• Record production output and material usage on job tickets.
• Support quality programs and meet deadlines as required.

Skills

Binder equipment operation

Reading work instructions

Communication skills

Math and measurement

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Binder machinery knowledge

Job description

Description

Bindery Operators are responsible for operating equipment such as stitcher/trimmers, cutters, folders, mailers, shrink wrappers and collators to process or finish printed products. These individual positions are distinguished primarily by the differences in equipment and the differing training required for each.

• Binds sheets of paper or signatures into complete saddle stitched and trimmed booklets by operating an automated bindery finishing machine.
• Jogs and cuts paper and board stock to required sizes for printing and cuts and trims finished products using a cutter.
• Folds sheets of paper into folders or signatures, finished or unfinished, using a folding machine.
• Operates small binding machines and drills or perform manual binding operations including tabber, laminator, or collator.
• Reads and understands the job ticket, layout sheet, artwork and other specifications before beginning the assigned job. Asks any questions or reports and problems regarding the assigned job.
• Sets up, operates and maintains all pieces of equipment which make up a part of the various binding and finishing equipment in a full-service bindery operation.
• Ensures good housekeeping practices are followed in order to maintain a clean, healthful and safe work area around the binding equipment for employees and customers.
• Records the quantity of good sheets or product finished on the back of the job ticket.
• Records the amount and type of materials used on the job on the time sheet.
• Operate a manual and battery-operated lift jack.
• Maintains quality control at a level that meets or exceeds the demands of the individual jobs.
• Pulls and labels run samples with tags and marks.
• Participates in and/or supports any formal quality programs such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) or Total Quality Management (TQM), as requested.
• All other duties as assigned

Description

Bindery Operators are responsible for operating equipment such as stitcher/trimmers, cutters, folders, mailers, shrink wrappers and collators to process or finish printed products. These individual positions are distinguished primarily by the differences in equipment and the differing training required for each.

• Binds sheets of paper or signatures into complete saddle stitched and trimmed booklets by operating an automated bindery finishing machine.
• Jogs and cuts paper and board stock to required sizes for printing and cuts and trims finished products using a cutter.
• Folds sheets of paper into folders or signatures, finished or unfinished, using a folding machine.
• Operates small binding machines and drills or perform manual binding operations including tabber, laminator, or collator.
• Reads and understands the job ticket, layout sheet, artwork and other specifications before beginning the assigned job. Asks any questions or reports and problems regarding the assigned job.
• Sets up, operates and maintains all pieces of equipment which make up a part of the various binding and finishing equipment in a full-service bindery operation.
• Ensures good housekeeping practices are followed in order to maintain a clean, healthful and safe work area around the binding equipment for employees and customers.
• Records the quantity of good sheets or product finished on the back of the job ticket.
• Records the amount and type of materials used on the job on the time sheet.
• Operate a manual and battery-operated lift jack.
• Maintains quality control at a level that meets or exceeds the demands of the individual jobs.
• Pulls and labels run samples with tags and marks.
• Participate in and/or supports any formal quality programs such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) or Total Quality Management (TQM), as requested.
• All other duties as assigned

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Binds sheets of paper or signatures into complete saddle stitched and trimmed booklets by operating an automated bindery finishing machine.
• Jogs and cuts paper and board stock to required sizes for printing and cuts and trims finished products using a cutter.
• Folds sheets of paper into folders or signatures, finished or unfinished, using a folding machine.
• Operates small binding machines and drills or perform manual binding operations including tabber, laminator, or collator.
• Reads and understands the job ticket, layout sheet, artwork and other specifications before beginning the assigned job. Asks any questions or reports and problems regarding the assigned job.
• Sets up, operates and maintains all pieces of equipment which make up a part of the various binding and finishing equipment in a full-service bindery operation.
• Ensures good housekeeping practices are followed in order to maintain a clean, healthful and safe work area around the binding equipment for employees and customers.
• Records the quantity of good sheets or product finished on the back of the job ticket.
• Records the amount and type of materials used on the job on the time sheet.
• Operate a manual and battery-operated lift jack.
• Maintains quality control at a level that meets or exceeds the demands of the individual jobs.
• Pulls and labels run samples with tags and marks.
• Participates in and/or supports any formal quality programs such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) or Total Quality Management (TQM), as requested.
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In keeping with Mittera’s philosophy that each individual should be encouraged to reach his or her full potential, and in compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations or modifications will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Hours may vary depending on departmental staffing needs.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
• 3 – 5+ years of experience as a binder operator
• Full comprehension in reading work instructions and business memos
• Effective communications skills with all levels within the organization
• Ability to use basic math skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurements and critical thinking, to solve practical problems
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Must have the ability to work effectively in stressful situations and meet stringent deadlines
• Be organized and able to plan, prioritize and follow through on projects assigned with minimal supervision
• Has basic computer skills
• Must be self-motivated, reliable, quality, and safety oriented

Physical Requirements

• Requires use of proper body mechanics with pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting, squatting, kneeling and bending
• Pushing/pulling and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Requires fine motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity and coordination
• Requires near visual acuity
• Requires working around and operating departmental equipment
• Must be able to access and navigate each department in the facility
• Requires the ability to function in a professional manner under stressful circumstances

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to hazardous materials. A production employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts.