Printer & Heat Press Operator

Lakeshirts, inc.; Detroit Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid daily pay

Onsite cafeteria

Dogs at work

Job summary

Lakeshirts in Detroit Lakes, MN seeks a Direct to Film (DTFx) & Heat Press operator to support printing and production of apparel and hats. You will back up the Lead by running the DTFx printer and heat presses, handling spot sublimation, ensuring correct temperature, pressure, and timing, and coordinating with adjacent departments to meet deadlines.

The role requires attention to detail, basic Excel/Illustrator use, and ability to lift up to 30-50 lbs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; certification a plus.
• Previous experience operating printing or heat-press equipment.
• Proficiency with Excel for data management and Adobe Illustrator for artwork.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work nights and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate the DTFx printer and heat press machines.
• Maintain correct temperature, pressure and timing for each design.
• Prepare inks and set up for production.
• Review prints for quality and perform light maintenance.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet production deadlines.
• Use Zion to move jobs through workflow.

Skills

DTFx printing

Heat press operation

Excel

Adobe Illustrator

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Team player

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Excel

Adobe Illustrator

Zion

Job description

HEAT UP YOUR CAREER | PRINT. CUT. HEAT. REPEAT.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Lakeshirts, a leading wholesale supplier of custom-designed apparel and accessories, is seeking a skilled and motivated individual to fill the role of Direct to Film (DTFx) & Heat Press operator. The ideal candidate will be able to help grow this operation by backing up the Lead in printing DTFx and spot sublimation designs, as well as being able to operate various heat press machines. This team member will also coordinate with adjacent departments in order to ensure the timely production of high-quality designs on garments and hats.

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Schedule: Thursday 4pm-2am (Nights)

Pay: $18 per hour

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A Typical Day (job functions) | Prepare + Produce + Prioritize

• Operate the DTFx printer and heat press machines, including spot sublimation designs/application
• Ensure proper temperature, pressure, timing and precise application for each technique
• Convert and set up inks for the machine in via computer, ensuring they are ready for production
• Send approved art to the DTFx machine and oversee its operation
• Run the DTFx machine efficiently to produce high-quality designs on garments
• Perform quality control checks on garments to ensure impeccable quality
• Conduct light maintenance on the DTFx printer to ensure continuous operation
• Utilize Excel and Adobe Illustrator to manage art files and design setups
• Move jobs along our valuestream via computer program (Zion) to ensure timely delivery to the next department
• Solve problems that arise during machine operation or workflow, ensuring minimal disruptions and optimal efficiency
• Maintain Lakeshirts' acceptable standard of quality
• Follow safety practices; identify problems and work to resolve safety issues as they occur in accordance to OSHA standards
• Work actively with others in the department and company to achieve positive results
• Help in other areas as workflow allows, to contribute to our core value of TEAM
• Ability to lift 30-50 lbs continuously
• Perform other duties as assigned by the DTFx Lead, including special projects

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Skills (qualifications) | Technical Aptitude + Attention to Detail + Quality Focus

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certification a plus
• Previous experience in machine operation, training, or a related field preferred

• Proficiency in using Excel for data management and Adobe Illustrator for art files
• Strong organizational skills to manage art files and production setups effectively
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with ability to address issues promptly and effectively
• Detail-oriented, meticulous and thorough proofing and eye for quality
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, and stay self-motivated & self-directed in a dynamic environment
• Mechanical aptitude for performing light machine maintenance
• Positive attitude and willingness to contribute to a collaborative team environment
• Problem-solving mindset and the ability to think on your feet (NIMBLE)
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and production needs
• Reliable, responsible, and receptive to feedback/direction
• Perform repetitive tasks for several hours
• Manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced working environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to be on your feet 8-10 hrs/day

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WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE.

At Lakeshirts, we believe in making work as awesome as the apparel we create. We're not just a t-shirt company- we're also a hat, sticker, and sock company (and so much more!). We're a place where creativity meets culture, where ideas and innovation are encouraged, and where the atmosphere is truly one-of-a-kind. As one of the largest screenprinting manufacturers in the U.S., we decorate a variety of garments and accessories for the resort, licensed collegiate, and K-12 markets, supported by over 1,000 ah-mazing team members from sea to shining sea.

OUR CULTURE TRULY SETS US APART.

Life at Lakeshirts is all about embracing our core values, having fun, and working with great people who make every day an opportunity to thrive. We're looking for those who want to roll up their sleeves and make an impact while enjoying a culture that values creativity, teamwork, continuous improvement, and empowering each team member to define and elevate their success. We also foster a strong sense of community and are dedicated to wowing our customers on the daily.

LIFE'S BETTER IN A T-SHIRT & SO IS WORK!

Here's what you can expect when you join the Lakeshirts team:

• Compensation| Work Hard. Get Rewarded : Guided by our value of meritocracy, we offer a compensation package that reflects your unique skills, talents, and contributions. You are not just a number-your success, ideas, and efforts directly shape your growth and earning potential, empowering you to take your career to the next level. And there is an option to be paid daily!
• Insurance Benefits | We've Got You Covered : From health and life insurance to voluntary benefits like dental, vision, short-term/long-term disability, and critical illness & accident coverage, we've got you covered; benefits kick in the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment
• Paid Time Off |Life Outside of Work: Enjoy up to 22 paid days off during the first year because we know life happens outside of work & we want you to be able to enjoy
• Profit Sharing | If We're Profitable. You're Profitable: When we win, you win
• Retirement Planning | Free Money? Yes, Please!: Our 401(k) program helps you plan for the future
• Onsite Perks |Get in my Belly: At our HQ in Detroit Lakes, enjoy hot breakfast, lunch, and snacks from our subsidized cafeteria
• Dogs @ Work| Yes. It's A Thing. And It's Pawsome: Bring your furry friend to work, because we believe dogs just make everything better
• Relaxed Dress Code | Wear What Makes You Feel Your Best: Whether it's jeans, tees, and flip flops- we believe comfort fuels creativity, and we offer an employee merchandise discount to keep you & your family well-stocked
• Flexible Work Schedules |Full Time, Part Time & Everything In Between : Because we understand the importance of work-life balance
• Unique Culture | That Is Priceless: We make work fun; we believe in teamwork, giving back to our communities and doing what we love with great people, and always rocking a t-shirt, a hat, and some cool socks

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Cognitive or Mental Requirements of the Job:

Employee must be able to see and hear, read and write. Requires good judgment, people-oriented, flexible, organized, diplomatic, reliable, enthusiastic, courteous, helpful, and patient.

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Physical Demands:

NEVER (0%): Climb, Crawl, Lift 25-50 lbs., Lift over 50 lbs., Carry 25-50 lbs., Carry over 50 lbs.

OCCASIONALLY (1%-33%): Lift, Stand, Walk, Carry, Push, Pull, Balance, Bend, Twist, Reach, Lift under 10 lbs., Lift 10-24 lbs., Carry under 10 lbs., Carry 10-24 lbs., Reach above shoulder height, Reach at shoulder height, Reach below shoulder height

FREQUENTLY (34%-66%): Reach below shoulder height

CONTINUOUSLY (67%-100%): Sit

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NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and should in no way be considered a contract or guarantee of employment. Employee may perform other related duties as needed, based on the ongoing needs of the business. Minnesota is an Employment-At-Will state and implies no specific length of employment.