Press Operator II

Pressroom Platemaker

Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO

Rockaway, NJ

USAToday Corp. is seeking a Full-Time Platemaker for our Rockaway, NJ facility. This position supports daily newspaper production operations on our double-wide presses and plays a critical role in ensuring pages are processed, plated, and delivered accurately and on schedule.

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, and calibrate Computer-To-Plate (CTP) systems, plate processors, and optical benders.
Monitor incoming page files and production workflows to ensure all products are received, processed, and plated according to established deadlines.
Verify page completeness, file integrity, and production readiness prior to plating.
Monitor NewsWay and related workflow systems for late, missing, or failed file transmissions.
Communicate proactively with Editorial Operations (EOP), production facilities, and other stakeholders regarding late files, transmission issues, or production concerns.
Respond to workflow alerts and troubleshoot file delivery issues to minimize production delays.
Maintain accurate records of production activity, workflow interruptions, and equipment performance.
Monitor plate, chemistry, and consumable inventories and communicate replenishment needs.
Adhere to all safety, environmental, and quality standards.
Assist with pressroom operations and perform other duties as assigned.

Every member of the pressroom staff constantly strives to achieve the following goals:

Optimum quality of printed products.
Observance of all scheduled start and stop times.
Conservation of material resources, especially newsprint.
A clean and safe working environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in web offset printing, prepress operations, newspaper production, or manufacturing environments is preferred.
Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with computer systems and production workflows.
Ability to monitor multiple systems simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.
Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to professionally communicate by phone with Editorial Operations, remote production centers, vendors, and internal departments.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
Ability to identify, escalate, and resolve workflow issues involving file transmission, page receipt, or production schedules.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, adapt to changing production demands, and meet strict deadlines.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and production monitoring software.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing to a team environment.
Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
Ability to push or pull up to 1,000 pounds.

Physical Requirements
A platemaker spends most working hours on their feet. In addition to long periods of standing, a platemaker is required to climb stairs throughout the six-level press structure. Operators engaged in maintenance and cleaning activities may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work in confined spaces. Color vision is required.

Schedule
Schedule includes nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require.