Senior Lead, Print Operator

Howard County Public School System; Guilford (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Public School System is seeking a Senior Lead, Print Operator to oversee daily printing operations, binding, and finishing activities for instructional and administrative needs. You will ensure high-quality productions, manage equipment and materials, and supervise a team of operators in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires extensive experience with high-volume digital printers, finishing equipment, and print management software, with emphasis on quality control, safety, and

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or GED.
• Experience: 5 years operating business reproduction and printing equipment.
• 7+ years operating digital production printing equipment (Canon Titan, Varioprint, imagePRESS).
• 7+ years operating production finishing equipment (Duplo, hydraulic paper cutter, envelope inserter, 3-hole punch, bindery equipment).
• Print workflow automation and optimization experience.
• Variable-data printing (VDP) experience.
• Print management software experience (Web-to-Print, MIS, Adobe).
• Quality control measures (color management, job preflight).

Responsibilities

• Operate digital printing equipment to produce materials.
• Perform finishing tasks, packaging and shipping.
• Review print requests for accuracy and quality standards.
• Support graduation, signage and large-scale events.
• Oversee team of equipment operators.
• Schedule and prioritize print jobs to meet deadlines.
• Maintain records of jobs, materials, and time spent.

Skills

Digital printing

Production finishing

Inventory management

Quality control

Safety protocols

Troubleshooting

Workflow optimization

Project management

Administrative accuracy

Communication

Leadership

Time management

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Canon Titan

Varioprint

imagePRESS

Duplo

Hydraulic paper cutter

Envelope inserter

3-hole punch

Job description

ABOUT US The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date: 11-16-2026 Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Manager, Print Services, the Senior Lead, Print Operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of printing, copying, binding, and finishing equipment to support the instructional and administrative needs of the school district. This role ensures high-quality and timely production of printed materials while maintaining equipment and supplies in a safe and efficient environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education: Possession of a High School diploma or GED.

Experience: Five years of experience in operating business reproduction and printing equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7 years or more experience operating digital production printing equipment. (ex. Canon Titan, Varioprint, imagePRESS production copier).


• 7 years or more experience operating production finishing equipment (ex. Duplo, Hydraulic paper cutter, envelope inserter, 3-hole punch, and various other bindery equipment).


• Print workflow automation and optimization experience.


• Variable-data printing (VDP) experience.


• Print management software experience. (ex. Web-to-Print and Management Informations System (MIS) software, Adobe).


• Experience implementing quality control measures to ensure high-quality reproductions. (ex. color management, job preflight experience).

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Operate digital printing equipment to produce various materials.


• Perform finishing tasks, packaging and shipping.


• Review print requests for accuracy and consult with HCPSS staff to ensure all printed materials meet district quality standards.


• Support special printing projects such as graduation, signage and large-scale events.


• Oversee team of equipment operators to ensure the timely production of printed materials.


• Schedule and prioritize print jobs to meet deadlines and minimize turnaround times.


• Keep accurate records of jobs completed, materials use and time spent for reporting and billing purposes.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY

The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge Digital Print Technology: Deep understanding of high-volume digital printers, including color calibration, file formats (PDF, TIFF, EPS), and print-queue management software.

Production Finishing Processes: Comprehensive knowledge of finishing techniques such as binding, laminating, folding, cutting, and collating.

Inventory & Logistics: Familiarity with inventory control methods for paper stock and toner, as well as shipping standards (UPS, FedEx, or internal courier systems).

Quality Control Standards: Understanding of graphic design basics, typography, and layout to ensure printed materials align with district branding and professional standards.

Safety Protocols: Knowledge of OSHA and general safety standards for operating heavy machinery and handling chemicals/toners.

Skills Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to perform basic maintenance and clear complex errors on digital printing and finishing equipment.

Workflow Optimization: Expert-level skill in scheduling and prioritizing high volumes of diverse print jobs to maximize machine uptime and meet tight deadlines.

Project Management: Proficiency in managing specialized, high-stakes projects like graduation programs or large-format signage from inception to delivery.

Administrative Accuracy: High proficiency in record-keeping, data entry, and using print management software for billing and reporting.

Consultative Communication: Strong interpersonal skills used to advise staff on print specifications, cost-effective options, and quality requirements.

• Leadership & Supervision: Ability to lead, motivate, and direct a team of operators, ensuring equitable workload distribution and adherence to production schedules.


• Time Management under Pressure: Ability to remain organized and productive in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities and \"rush\" orders.


• Attention to Detail: Ability to spot minor errors in proofs (typos, color shifts, or alignment issues) before mass production.


• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, move heavy paper stock (often up to 50 lbs), and perform repetitive tasks in a production environment.


• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Ability to work cross‑functionally with district staff to troubleshoot file issues or design constraints for special events.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Hours: The duty day for this position is 8.5 hours including a one-hour duty‑free lunch. This position will require may require occasional evening or weekend hours during peak production periods.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system. Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VII on the Maintenance/Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.

BENEFITS

• HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.


• Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment.


• Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.


• All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.


• In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.


• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States.


• HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind.

HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

All current HCPSS candidate pools will close to new applications on November 16, 2026 as we perform annual system maintenance and refresh our pools. Updated candidate pools will open on November 30, 2026. Candidates will need to submit a new application to indicate continued interest and ensure current information is on file. Postings for specific individual vacancies will remain open and unaffected during this period. Questions may be directed to [e-mail].

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!