Press Operator I

USA-Today-Co.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. in Peoria, IL seeks an Apprentice Press Operator to learn and perform printing-related tasks on our press line. The role supports on-time production, product quality, and safety standards.

This full-time position requires a high school diploma or GED and may involve night shifts and weekends. The apprentice will gain hands-on experience with Newsprint reel setup, plate processing, and basic ink setting while working with a press crew to ensure efficient operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in web offset printing is desirable.
• Mechanical ability and familiarity with computers is preferred.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to change, prioritize work, handle multiple tasks, and interact with people with patience.
• Must be able to lift/carry up to 100 pounds and push/pull up to 2000 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team to achieve & maintain on-time press performance.
• Work as a team to achieve & maintain product quality standards.
• Work as a team to meet waste goals.
• Assist with plate, reel room & press operations as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical ability

Computer familiarity

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posted Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Monday, February 1, 2027 at 4:59 AM

|Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps| USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY , and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest , a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ , supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers viaDayforce . Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

Press Operator I - Apprentice

Gannett Publishing Services
Peoria, IL

Gannett Publishing Services
Peoria, IL
WE ARE OFFERING A STARTING HOURLY WAGE OF $18 PER HOUR

The Apprentice - Press Operator position is assigned to learn & perform printing related tasks that may include, but are not limited to: Newsprint reel set-up & operation; newsprint staging; roll preparation; plate processing; placing printing plates; basic ink setting; equipment maintenance; and specified reporting.
The primary objective is to support efficient press operations as needed to achieve & maintain on-time production, product quality standards, low waste, and operational safety. Works as part of a press crew to coordinate press & plate operations during an assigned shift.
Must be reliable, report to scheduled shifts on-time and ready to begin work.

• Work as a team to achieve & maintain on-time press performance
• Work as a team to achieve & maintain product quality standards
• Work as a team to meet waste goals
• Assist with plate, reel room & press operations as assigned

Requirements:

• This position requires a high school education or equivalent.
• Experience in web offset printing is desirable, although production experience of any kind may be helpful.
• Mechanical ability and familiarity with computers is preferred.
• Candidates should have the ability to adapt to change, prioritize work, handle multiple tasks, remain flexible and interact with people while demonstrating patience.
• You must be able to lift/carry up to 100 pounds. Must be able to push/pull up to 2000 pounds (rolls of paper).
• A press operator spends most working hours on his/her feet.
• In addition to long periods of standing, a press operator is required to climb stairs on the six-level press structure. Operators engaged in press maintenance and some cleaning activities will be required to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. They often work in tight areas. Color vision is required.
• This position is full-time shift work, which includes scheduled nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Candidate must be able to work night shifts, weekends and holidays, on a rotation schedule.

Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Related Experience:

Previous machine operation or maintenance experience preferred.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail] . Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.