Print Apprentice - 2nd

Hallmark Cards; Leavenworth (KS); On-site; USD 27,276 - 38,848; Full time

Job summary

Hallmark Cards in Leavenworth, KS is seeking a Print Apprentice to gain hands‑on experience in a print department. You will help operate a wide‑web flexography press, mix inks, and learn to tint tissue paper with inks while working with a team.

The role is full‑time, Mon–Fri, 3:30pm–12:00am, with pay starting around $24 per hour. Relocation is not provided, and the position is on site in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of relevant work experience in manufacturing.
• Must pass color perception test and physical requirements apply.

Responsibilities

• Set up press components and adjust for color targets and registration.
• Monitor print runs and troubleshoot issues to meet standards.
• Learn and master at least two functions or machines in Print department.
• Complete production data and spoilage paperwork for shipping.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning per SOPs.

Skills

Color perception

Quality awareness

Reading specifications

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Flexographic press

Ink mixing

Documentation & QA

Job description

Position Overview

Hallmark is seeking a Print Apprentice at our Leavenworth Manufacturing Facility in Leavenworth, KS. The Print Apprentice will gain print experience by assisting on a team or operating equipment in the print department. The print apprentice will operate a variety of medium‑complexity equipment to tint tissue paper with a solid color of ink or to slit/rewind printed gift wrap. They assist on a team to print gift wrap on a wide‑web flexography press and learn the basics of flexographic printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room.

Pay for this role starts around $24 per hour

This is a full‑time position, Monday–Friday, 3:30pm–12:00am.

This position is located in Leavenworth, Kansas. Relocation is not provided.

As a Print Apprentice: You Will

• Interpret and analyze job specifications/instructions and set up or assist in the set‑up of the press with the correct components and with the proper adjustments to achieve color targets and registration with the least amount of waste as possible. This includes loading and unloading stock, maintaining ink quality and supply, changing tooling, and cleaning and storing tooling.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, or assist with equipment and print issues at the start of the production run and throughout the production run to ensure printed product meets customer standards. Determine or influence and enable the press speed to ensure efficient operation. Monitor equipment during production runs: check color, register, and detail against specifications and take action to correct any problems. Remain alert to mechanical problems and correct or refer to maintenance if necessary. When mixing ink, work efficiently to prioritize which inks to prepare and perform quality checks to ensure ink meets color, pH, and viscosity targets.
• Participate in problem‑solving activities. Identify potential problems and proactively work on problem resolution and alternative solutions to traditional methods of operation. Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork to positively influence meeting or exceeding performance targets. Flexibly work where needed and learn and master at least two job functions or machines (tinter, slitter, Uteco) in the Print department.
• Execute the quality system including preflight, sampling plan, and the removal of salvage/spoilage. Prepare related paperwork/documentation for shipping accuracy, including completing production data and spoilage.
• Complete routine equipment maintenance and cleaning - including CIL tasks and preventive maintenance. Follow established safety procedures and all other job instruction breakdowns, standard operating procedures, and single point lessons.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
• 1‑2 years of relevant work experience
• Successful experience as a Production Support Specialist in GA36 (old MFG3) level complexity or higher including Materials Movement Specialists OR Experience as an Ink Technician OR Experience as a Digital Plate Maker
• Must pass color perception test
• Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing up to 15 lbs frequently and 65 lbs occasionally
• Ability to stand and walk approximately 90% of the time
• Ability to reach, twist, bend, perform repetitive hand/wrist motion, and use fine motor skills 90% of the time
• Ability to occasionally work at or above shoulder level
• Ability to work overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful experience as a Packaging Operator in GA37 grade
• Demonstrated strong mechanical skills and computer skills
• Ability to problem solve technical issues and provide recommendations
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritize tasks
• Good math, written and communication skills
• Self‑directed and self‑motivated with a proven work ethic and ability to perform under pressure

Additional Details

• There is some noise and hearing protection is required by Hallmark.
• This is a climate‑controlled manufacturing environment with normal physical injury hazard.

Employment Conditions and Legal Statements

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Hallmark Cards, Inc. and its subsidiary companies will hire only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Hallmark does not generally provide sponsorship for employment. Employment by Hallmark is contingent upon the signing of the Employment Agreement, signing of an agreement to arbitrate in connection with the Hallmark Dispute Resolution Program, completing Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification and satisfactory reference and background checks.