Press Operator

Description

Press Operator

Location: Houston

Job Type: Full-time

Shift: Evening/Night

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in bringing the daily news to life? As a Press Operator at the Houston Chronicle, you'll be at the heart of our newspaper printing production, ensuring that our high-quality print materials reach thousands of readers all over the area. This exciting position offers the opportunity to work with Goss web presses, contribute to the vibrant world of journalism, and see the tangible results of your efforts every day.

Position Summary:

As a Press Operator, you will work collaboratively with other crew members to operate web presses, ensuring efficient production and maintenance. Your duties will include webbing, plating, color balancing, compensation, supplying newsprint, cleaning, and equipment maintenance, as directed by the Press Operator.

Key Responsibilities:

Press Operation: Assist in operating web presses by performing tasks such as webbing, plating, color balancing, and maintaining equipment.

Reel Assembly: Change reel assemblies to match the size of newsprint rolls needed, ensuring proper width and tension.

Splicing and Paster Management: Prepare newsprint rolls for splicing and manage the paster control system to ensure continuous operations.

Web and Tension Monitoring: Monitor the reel, tension, and paster system throughout the press run.

Unit and Folder Management: Engage and disengage units and the folder, guide the web through impression cylinders, and adjust cams, knife spacing, and band settings as required.

Color and Registration: Engage color printing cylinders, set ink and fountain solution for proper balance, and inspect the product for color accuracy and print quality.

Plate Handling: Remove old plates and secure new plates on the plate cylinder, ensuring correct placement and sequence of pages.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Keep the work area clean, perform regular maintenance, and clean equipment and surrounding areas.

Troubleshooting: Assist in identifying and diagnosing equipment problems, making necessary repairs before, during, and after production.

Training and Guidance: May guide and train other Journeypersons or Apprentices in web press operations.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum of five years’ experience as a web press operator (experience with Goss Metro Presses preferred).

Ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend English.

Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Strong logical reasoning abilities.

Physical ability to stand during shifts, climb stairs, lift up to 55 lbs., and move up to 250 lbs.

Dependability and a good level of mechanical aptitude.

Ability to work independently and follow instructions.

Willingness to work rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.

Color vision acuity.

Ability to perform well under deadline constraints and meet quality standards.

Mechanical aptitude and agility to move around press units.

Work Environment:

This job involves standing for most of the shift.

Mechanical aptitude and agility are essential for moving around press units.

Why Join Us?

Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a rich history and a vital role in delivering news to the community.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with state-of-the-art press equipment and be at the forefront of print media production.

Dynamic Environment: Enjoy a fast-paced and collaborative work atmosphere where your contributions make a real impact.

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands. Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston. All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

WHAT WE OFFER:

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Houston Chronicle. Our business is growing and transforming every day. Advertisers are partnering with us to help them navigate new marketing strategies in today’s increasingly complex digital environment. Simply put, the Houston Chronicle is a media company that uses its rich history and data to deliver the most impactful media campaigns for our customers. We leverage our substantial audience reach, coupled with best in class advertising solutions to keep our customer’s brand in front of the right people at the right time.

Why are we different? Our people! Our company is diverse and filled with smart, passionate people who want to make a difference in their community, regardless of the role they play in the company. We offer an upbeat and collaborative working environment and expect our people to challenge the norm.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at . Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.