Sheetfed Offset Press Operator Consolidated Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established January 19, 2000

Definition of Series

This consolidated series specification describes five levels of Sheet Offset Press Operators that are responsible for the completion of sheetfed offset printing undertaken by the State. Work includes receiving hard copies and/or negatives and plates; shooting negatives and further preparing the master copy; completing the assigned print jobs; proofing work; completing minor maintenance and repairs on equipment; setting up printing and finishing equipment; performing the finishing tasks needed to complete the assigned print jobs; fulfilling ancillary tasks related to reprographic work (training, maintaining log books and other record-keeping documents, maintaining supplies, etc.); and performing other related work. At the higher levels, incumbents are expected to serve as leadpersons over other operators and/or crews. Completion of the work is expected to adhere to safe printing and equipment practices following all precautions provided on machines and operating manuals.

Definition of Levels*

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator I

This is the entry level of the Sheetfed Offset Press Operator series. Under supervision, incumbents perform the least complicated work involved in maintaining and operating a single unit offset press; and do other related work.

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* Additional information regarding functions performed, complexity factors, and scope of responsibility is contained in a separate document titled "Allocation Guidelines."

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator II

This is the working level in the Sheetfed Offset Press Operator series. Under general supervision, incumbents perform moderate skilled work involved in maintaining and operating single and two-unit sheetfed offset presses; and do other related work.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator III

This is the journey level in the Sheetfed Offset Press Operator series. Under direction, incumbents perform skilled work (including four-color process) involved in maintaining and operating a small sheetfed offset press; operate small presses with two or more units; dot-to-dot registration, reverses, large color solid, duo-tones, color trapping, and four-color process work; and do other related work.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator IV

This is the advanced journey level in the Sheetfed Offset Press Operator series. Under direction, incumbents act as a lead person over a press assistant in the operation of a large sheetfed press; perform skilled work involved in maintaining and operating a large sheetfed press; and do other related work.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator V

This is the master journey level. Under direction, incumbents act as a lead operator over a second operator and press crew or act as leadperson over multiple operators and press crews; do highly skilled work involved in caring for and operating a four-color process sheetfed offset press; and do other related work.

Minimum Qualifications

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator I

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience equivalent to a Bookbinder I.

Or II

One year of experience operating a sheetfed offset press.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator II

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience equivalent to a Sheetfed Offset Press Operator I.

Or II

Two years of experience operating a multiunit sheetfed offset press.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator III

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing the duties equivalent to either a Sheetfed Offset Press Operator II or a Webfed Offset Press Operator I.

Or II

Two years of experience operating a multicolor sheetfed offset press.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator IV

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing the duties equivalent to either a Sheetfed Offset Press Operator III or a Webfed Offset Press Operator II.

Or II

Two years of journey level experience operating a large multicolor sheetfed offset press.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator V

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing the duties equivalent to a Sheetfed Offset Press Operator IV.

Or II

Two years of experience as a lead press operator on a large multicolor sheetfed offset press.

Knowledge and Abilities

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator I

Knowledge of: Basic lithography; single unit press and its functions including delivery systems, dampening system, feeding system, inking system, and printing system; basic printing process (e.g., electrostatic, photochemical, and produced image); pre-press (imaging) and finishing processes; printing instruments and tools; use and care of blankets, rollers, and offset plates and their installations on presses; types of fountain solutions on sheetfed presses using a lithograph process; safety requirements applied in the operation of printing equipment and industrial workplace safety practices.

Ability to: Perform basic math calculations; take accurate measurements needed for effective job performance; perform mechanical tasks needed to operate equipment; communicate effectively; follow oral and written instructions to assure quality and quantity of production; make minor mechanical adjustments and repairs; maintain proper fountain solutions; maintain satisfactory personal relations with other workers; willingness to work under noisy conditions; willingness to work various shifts; understand and follow basic safety and environmental regulations and practices; stand for long periods of time; move and/or lift up to 50 pounds.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator II

Knowledge of: All of the above, and printing solvents and additives; print stock weights, textures, and finishes; types and uses of printing inks.

Ability to: All of the above, and operate a multiunit press; operate an envelope press; maintain registration between printing units; mix and match colors; produce a printing plate; may shoot and lay out negatives and half-tones.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator III

Knowledge of: All of the above, and multicolor sheetfed press; color and register control systems; four-color process work; types and uses of spot varnishes.

Ability to: All of the above, and operate a small sheetfed offset presses including perfecting units and powdering units; perform four-color process printing; dot-to-dot registration; trap colors; spot varnish; print large solids; pack the blanket and/or plate cylinder to register colors between units; print duotones and full reverses; convert from single-sided to two-sided printing and return.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator IV

Knowledge of: All of the above, and operation and maintenance of a large sheetfed offset press; leadperson principles.

Ability to: All of the above, and lead and instruct the work of a press crew; coordinate the activities of a press crew; operate a large sheetfed offset press; make adjustments on all sheetfed offset press equipment and do minor repairs.

Sheetfed Offset Press Operator V

Knowledge of: All of the above, and operation and maintenance of a large multiunit sheetfed offset press.

Ability to: All of the above.

Additional Desirable Qualification

All Levels:

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Flexibility to adapt to changing work priorities; work in a noisy environment; willingness to work nights and overtime; interact effectively and courteously with all levels of personnel, customers, vendors, and other parties; and vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Class History