Press Operator

Job Details: Job Location: Verdant Graphics - Wyoming, MI, Salary Range: Undisclosed, The Press Operator supports the efficient, high-quality operation of Verdant’s offset press equipment, primarily the RMGT 9-Series 8-color perfecting press. This role assists in makeready, running, monitoring print quality, and maintaining a safe and efficient press environment. While day-to-day direction comes from the production technical manager and the press team, the Second Pressman also receives training, troubleshooting guidance, and technical standards support from the Production Technical Manager as needed — particularly during onboarding or technical escalations. This position is designed to grow into a fully independent operator role. This is a full-time position; overtime and weekend shifts may be required based on workload.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists with all makeready tasks, including plate mounting, ink setup, wash-ups, paper loading, and register.
Set up and adjust feeders, delivery, and in-line units under established procedures.
Maintain proper ink levels, fountain solution, and consumables during runs.
Monitor sheet quality, color, and registration continuously; communicate issues promptly.
Inspect sheets for color accuracy, density, registration, hickeys, and other defects.
Follow established quality control procedures and document findings accurately.
Ensure proper completion of job tickets, waste logs, and production records.
Pull, label, and present press sheets for approvals.
Follow scheduled job orders and communicate delays or concerns to the Production Technical Manager.
Collaborate closely with the Production Technical Manager, fellow press operators, and finishing teams.
Maintain clear communication across shifts and departments to support smooth production flow.
Work with the Production Technical Manager during onboarding, skills development, and technical training.
Participate in skill development plans, SOP reviews, and new-equipment or new-process training.
Apply best practices to improve speed, quality, and consistency.
Support training of future team members as the department continues to grow.
Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on press systems.
Help identify and troubleshoot press issues before escalating to the Production Technical Manager.
Keep the press area clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards.
Follow all company safety procedures, including PPE requirements and lockout/tagout requirements, and report safety concerns promptly.

Convivial Brands Expectations of all Employees:

Adheres to all Convivial Brands Policies and Procedures.
Conducts self in a manner consistent with Convivial Brands’ Core Values at all times.
Maintains a positive and respectful attitude with all contacts.
Consistently reports to work on time and prepared to perform the duties of the position.
Meets productivity standards and performs duties as workload necessitates.
Maintains the privacy of all company proprietary information.
Treat visitors, vendors, customers, and team members with respect and dignity.
Able to safely perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications: Required/Desired Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience:

One to two years’ experience in an offset pressroom (sheetfed preferred).
Basic understanding of press operation, ink/water balance, and color control.
Ability to lift 40–50 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
Strong mechanical aptitude and solid attention to detail.

Experience on multi-color or perfecting presses (preferred).
Familiarity with aqueous coating or specialty finishing (preferred).
Ability to perform minor troubleshooting and press adjustments(preferred).

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Ability to prioritize and multi-task for maximum efficiency without sacrificing quality and accuracy.
Reliable work ethic and strong commitment to attendance.

Competent use of hand tools and machinery required for press operations.
Ability to read and comprehend written forms and instructions.
Basic math competency (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals).
Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment.