Variable Data Printer

First Systems and Resources; Pantops (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

First Systems and Resources is seeking a Variable Data Printer to evaluate tickets, route jobs to contractors, and complete most processing in-house using BCC or JetLetter PSL. The role focuses on variable data processing, printer maintenance, and cross-training across post-print operations.

You will assist the President in evaluating alternatives to current software and lead transition efforts. The position includes coordinating print production, processing data with USPS guidelines, and

Qualifications

• Aged 18 or older.
• Ability to understand, implement, and respond to written and verbal English.
• Experience with BCC and/or JetLetter PSL.
• Experience with Acrobat and/or Fiery PDF.
• Familiar with USPS mail classes and standards.
• Familiar with print finishing or lettershop equipment.
• Prior quality assurance/quality control experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate print production and assess ticket urgency and data needs.
• Check data files in Xetex Xebra and ensure attachments on the job.
• Maintain paper type catalog and monitor stock; order supplies.
• Route data processing to outside contractors when needed.
• Use Airtable to inform managers of mail volume and timelines.
• Process data per USPS guidelines and use BCC and JetLetter PSL.
• Design output in JetLetter PSL and integrate data into templates.
• Perform printing tasks, proofs, QA, and final packaging steps.
• Calibrate and maintain printers; arrange specialty maintenance.
• Assist with folding, cutting, binding, and mail insertion as needed.

Skills

Aged eighteen or over

English proficiency

BCC and/or JetLetter PSL

Acrobat and/or Fiery PDF

Job description

Position Summary

The Variable Data Printer evaluates job tickets received from the Account Managers for complexity, urgency, and variable data processing needs. When necessary, they route jobs to external data processing contractors. The Variable Data Printer aims to complete >80% of data processing in house utilizing BCC, and/or JetLetter PSL. While the Variable Data Printer is primarily responsible for variable data processing and the maintenance and operation of the commercial laser printers, they cross-train on equipment and learn all aspects of post-print production. The custom printing and mailing industries rely on precise details so the Variable Data Printer must have an eye for detail; the ability to notice and correct tiny inconsistencies between pieces; and absolutely ensure consistency between a job ticket and a finished product. In the near term, the Variable Data Printer will assist the President in evaluating alternatives to BCC and lead the transition to the new software.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Print Production Coordination (estimated 10%)

• Receive job tickets and evaluate for urgency, special order supplies, and data processing needs.
• Check jobs in Xetex Xebra to confirm that all necessary data files are available as attachments on the job or within the shared drive(s).
• Maintain a catalog of available paper types.
• Monitor paper stock and place supply orders as necessary.
• Route data processing work to outside contractors when needed (goal <20% of jobs).
• Utilize Airtable to keep the Account Manager and Production Manager informed of expected mail volume and timeline.

Data Processing (estimated 40%)

• Understand USPS Mailing Guidelines so that every set of customer data can be processed in the most appropriate ways to take advantage of the most cost effective postage rates. This includes but is not limited to presort and palletized mail.
• Utilize BCC to standardize and sort customer provided address data according to USPS specifications.
• Utilize JetLetter PSL to design variable output.
• Utilize Adobe Acrobat, Fiery, and other document processing apps as necessary to integrate address data into customer provided template files.
• Utilize Ziflow to share proof versions of prepared files with Account Managers and customers.
• Generate MAIL.DAT files for all mailing jobs and ensure they are available timely so that mail can be delivered to the post office during the scheduled commercial mail receipt hours.
• Perform all necessary updates to software.
• Inform the President of any notifications from software companies about changes in functionality or availability.
• Monitor the USPS Customer Gateway for error notifications related to data processing.
• Monitor the USPS Mailer Scorecard for ways to improve data processing.

Printing (estimated 50%)

• Complete recurrent daily print jobs according to established procedures.
• Utilize approved job tickets to print customer orders.
  • As requested by Account Managers, print proofs and get approval of color and appearance before proceeding to the full print job.
• Perform final quality assurance/quality control inspections to ensure the finished product matches the job ticket before it goes to the final packaging step(s).
• Perform all required calibration and preventative maintenance on the printers.
• Request and monitor all specialized printer maintenance according to the printer leases.
• Maintain work area through accurate use of recycling programs and cleaning protocols.

As Backup or Support

• Utilize print finishing equipment such as folding, cutting, and binding machines to produce jobs according to job tickets.
• Operate direct mail production equipment such as inserting machines, postage meters, and commercial inkjet printers.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Required

• Aged eighteen (18) or over.
• Able to understand, implement, and respond to written and verbal communication in English.
• Experience with BCC and/or JetLetter PSL
• Experience with Acrobat and/or Fiery PDF

Preferred

• Familiar with USPS mail classes and standards.
• Familiar with operation of any of the following print finishing or lettershop equipment: folder, cutter, tabber, inserter, strapper, glue machine, inkjet printer (other than home printers), streamfeeder, and similar.
• Prior quality assurance/quality control experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Able to operate machinery at both seated and standing work heights.
• Able to operate a computer for up to eight (8) hours per day.
• Able to routinely lift and carry ten to twenty (10-20) pounds and intermittently lift and carry up to sixty (60) pounds throughout the workday.
• Able to push/pull non-motorized wheeled carts and/or pallet jacks.
• Able to perform repetitive fine motor tasks, such as separating individual sheets of paper and applying adhesive stickers.

While some production equipment generates bursts of noise, the work environment is comparable to a normal office noise level.

The work area is indoors in a warehouse type building with smooth concrete floors. The lights, heating, and air conditioning are centrally controlled.

Production activities produce dust and small paper debris