Digital Press Operator

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Digital Press Operator to join their dynamic team. This role offers the chance to operate cutting-edge digital production presses and printers in a climate-controlled environment. With a focus on high-quality output, you'll be responsible for maintaining equipment, managing job specifications, and ensuring color quality throughout production runs. Enjoy a Monday-Friday schedule with excellent benefits, including comprehensive health coverage and generous leave plans. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about graphic arts and printing production to make a significant impact in a supportive workplace.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Generous Vacation

Onsite Childcare

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing Program

Qualifications

• Three years experience in graphic arts and printing production.
• Experience with digital print production and graphic arts software.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain digital presses and printers.
• Perform minor repairs and adjustments as necessary.
• Monitor and maintain job production status.

Skills

Adobe CS

Quark Express

Digital Print Production

Color and Quality Control

Image Editing

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree in Graphic Arts

Tools

Digital Press Equipment

Wide Format Printers

CNC Cutter/Router

Laminators

Job description

Position Title:

Digital Press Operator

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years experience in the graphic arts and printing production which must include at least one year using graphic arts software such as Adobe CS or Quark Express, and one year experience with offset or digital printing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in a digital print production environment.
Experience operating toner/laser and inkjet printers or presses.
Experience operating wide format roll media printers and cutters.
Experience operating wide format rigid media flatbed printers and cutters.
Experience preparing digital print files for production.

Job Description:

Are you looking for a position that is primarily Monday-Friday, day shift? Are you looking to join an organization that offers excellent benefits?

If so, Printing Services at Iowa State University is currently seeking applicants for a Digital Press Operator!

Printing Services provides a positive workplace atmosphere and the benefit of a climate-controlled environment. The Digital Press Operator will operate and maintain digital production presses and printers, as well as wide format printers, CNC cutter/router devices, wide/large format laminators, contour cutters, and more.

Under general supervision sets up, operates, maintains, and makes minor repairs on digital press equipment. Printers and presses in this purview use either inkjet or toner/laser print technologies. Produces high-quality single through multicolored copies on various paper and substrates; work is highly skilled and requires an eye for detail, may include static or variable data items such as brochures, posters, flyers, booklets, books, magazines, newsletters, signs, banners, environmental graphics, etc. in one through multicolored job. Duties also involve the use of computers, servers, scanners, archiving systems, along with related software and technologies.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains digital presses and printers.

• Makes minor repairs and adjustments as necessary.

• Determines if service technicians need to be contacted.

• Utilizes computer system to enter job specifications.

• Monitors and maintains job production status within the system.

• Interprets job ticket information and enters job setup requirements into digital press.

• Performs image editing functions such as rotation, signature conversion, photo placement, crop, mask, imposition, step and repeat and related activities.

• Maintaining position register and consistent color and quality with maximum operating speed.

• Prioritizes and schedules work, and adjusts production as required to accommodate customer deadlines and maintain operational efficiency.

• Monitors and maintains appropriate level of stock and supplies.

• Maintains records of daily production and other records related to processing orders.

• Operates and maintains various types of finishing and auxiliary equipment that is complimentary to the digital press.

• Work may include static or variable data items such as brochures, posters, flyers, booklets, books, magazines, newsletters, banners, signage, environmental graphics, etc. in one through multicolored jobs.

• Proofs copy.

• Operator may consult with customer prior to running of job.

• Archives and retrieves digital documents from multiple sources.

• Performs routine system software and equipment maintenance to ensure optimal operation of equipment.

• May respond to customer inquiry regarding job production status, due dates, and production capabilities.

• Keeps informed and educated as required to take full advantage of software and hardware updates, as well as file management.

• Maintains machine adjustment and monitors color quality throughout press run.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and apply institutional and other policies appropriately.

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students and the public.

• Ability to perform routine arithmetic computations.

• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in an extremely fast paced environment.

• Ability to maintain necessary records and prepare reports.

• Ability to use proper bending and lifting techniques when handling stock and supplies.

• General knowledge of postal regulations and sorting requirements.

• Skill in operating and maintaining color and quality control with digital presses.

• Skill in utilizing computer software packages, databases and online systems for document transfer and preparation as well as file management.

• Mechanical skills, knowledge of both offset production and digital equipment, skill in judging quality and making adjustments to maintain the equipment.

About Printing Services:

The mission of Printing Services is to identify and efficiently provide Iowa State University’s core printing needs, offering services that contribute to the success of Iowa State. Our strategic vision is to provide appropriate printing services to the Iowa State community at a competitive price, a prompt turnaround time, and at top quality. We strive to provide services completely integrated into the emerging digital communications flow so that printing and related services are the means to communicate the knowledge asset of Iowa State University communities to Iowa and its people.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

09

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

April 30, 2025

Posting Close Date:

May 11, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R16915

About Us

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensiveland-grantmission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email [e-mail] .

If you have questions about the application process please email [e-mail] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone] . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone] .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.