Print Apprentice - 2nd or 3rd

Hallmark•Leavenworth, KS

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Hallmark is hiring a Print Apprentice at its Leavenworth Manufacturing Facility in Leavenworth, Kansas. The apprentice gains print experience by assisting a team or operating equipment in the print department. The role operates medium-complexity equipment to tint tissue paper with solid-color ink or slit and rewind printed gift wrap, assists with printing gift wrap on a wide-web flexography press, and learns flexographic printing basics. The apprentice also learns to mix inks and may work in the ink room. The position pays around $24 per hour at the start and is full-time, with a Monday–Friday schedule on either second shift (3:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.) or third shift (11:30 p.m.–8:00 a.m.). It is based in Leavenworth, Kansas; relocation is not provided. The role involves preparing and monitoring print work, maintaining quality and equipment, troubleshooting production issues, completing documentation, and following safety and operating procedures. Apprentices are expected to work flexibly and learn at least two job functions or machines in the Print department.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
1–2 years of relevant work experience.
Successful experience as a Production Support Specialist in GA36 (old MFG3) level complexity or higher, including Materials Movement Specialists; or experience as an Ink Technician; or experience as a Digital Plate Maker.
Must pass a color perception test.
Ability to grasp, lift, and carry products weighing up to 15 pounds frequently and 65 pounds occasionally.
Ability to stand and walk approximately 90% of the time.
Ability to reach, twist, bend, perform repetitive hand/wrist motions, and use fine motor skills 90% of the time.
Ability to occasionally work at or above shoulder level.
Ability to work overtime as required during peak seasons.

Nice To Haves

Successful experience as a Packaging Operator in GA37 grade.
Demonstrated strong mechanical and computer skills.
Ability to solve technical issues and provide recommendations.
Ability to follow instructions and prioritize tasks.
Good math, written, and communication skills.
Self-directed and self-motivated, with a proven work ethic and ability to perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

Interpret job specifications and instructions and set up, or assist with setting up, the press with the correct components and adjustments to achieve color targets and registration while minimizing waste.
Load and unload stock, maintain ink quality and supply, change tooling, and clean and store tooling.
Monitor, troubleshoot, or assist with equipment and print issues at the beginning and throughout production runs to ensure products meet customer standards.
Determine or influence press speed to support efficient operation.
Check color, registration, and detail against specifications during production and correct problems.
Watch for mechanical problems and correct them or refer them to maintenance as necessary.
Prioritize ink preparation and perform quality checks to ensure ink meets color, pH, and viscosity targets.
Participate in problem-solving activities, identify potential problems, and work proactively toward resolutions and alternatives to traditional operating methods.
Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork to help meet or exceed performance targets.
Work where needed and learn and master at least two Print department job functions or machines, such as tinter, slitter, or Uteco.
Execute the quality system, including preflight, sampling plans, and removal of salvage and spoilage.
Prepare shipping-accuracy paperwork and documentation, including production data and spoilage records.
Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning, including CIL tasks and preventative maintenance.
Follow established safety procedures, job instruction breakdowns, standard operating procedures, and single point lessons.