CTP Platemaker & Pressroom Operations Specialist

Agupdate; Rockaway (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO in Rockaway, NJ seeks a Full-Time Pressroom Platemaker to support daily newspaper production on double-wide presses, ensuring pages are processed, plated, and delivered accurately and on schedule.

The role requires operating CTP systems, monitoring workflows, and maintaining records while adhering to safety and quality standards. Schedule includes nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in web offset printing, prepress operations, newspaper production, or manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with computer systems and production workflows.
• Ability to monitor multiple systems simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to professionally communicate by phone with Editorial Operations, remote production centers, vendors, and internal departments.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to identify, escalation, and resolve workflow issues involving file transmission, page receipt, or production schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, adapt to changing production demands, and meet strict deadlines.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and production monitoring software.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing to a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and calibrate Computer-To-Plate (CTP) systems, plate processors, and optical benders.
• Monitor incoming page files and production workflows to ensure all products are received, processed, and plated according to established deadlines.
• Verify page completeness, file integrity, and production readiness prior to plating.
• Monitor NewsWay and related workflow systems for late, missing, or failed file transmissions.
• Communicate proactively with Editorial Operations (EOP), production facilities, and other stakeholders regarding late files, transmission issues, or production concerns.
• Respond to workflow alerts and troubleshoot file delivery issues to minimize production delays.
• Maintain accurate records of production activity, workflow interruptions, and equipment performance.
• Monitor plate, chemistry, and consumable inventories and communicate replenishment needs.
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Assist with pressroom operations and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Fast-paced workflow adaptation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CTP systems

Page production workflows

Job description

Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO in Rockaway, NJ seeks a Full-Time Pressroom Platemaker to support daily newspaper production on double-wide presses, ensuring pages are processed, plated, and delivered accurately and on schedule.

The role requires operating CTP systems, monitoring workflows, and maintaining records while adhering to safety and quality standards. Schedule includes nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.