Print Apprentice - 2nd or 3rd

Hallmark Cards•Leavenworth, KS

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Hallmark is seeking a Print Apprentice at its Leavenworth Manufacturing Facility in Leavenworth, Kansas. The apprentice gains printing 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. The apprentice also assists with printing gift wrap on a wide-web flexography press and learns the fundamentals of flexographic printing, ink mixing, and potentially work in the ink room. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, on either second shift (3:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.) or third shift (11:30 p.m.–8:00 a.m.). Pay starts around $24 per hour. The position is located in Leavenworth, Kansas; relocation is not provided. The apprentice interprets job specifications and instructions, sets up or assists with press setup, and helps achieve color and registration targets while minimizing waste. Work includes loading and unloading stock, maintaining ink quality and supply, changing and cleaning tooling, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment and print quality, preparing and checking inks, and participating in problem solving. The apprentice is expected to learn and master at least two print-department functions or machines. Additional duties include executing quality procedures and documentation, routine equipment cleaning and maintenance, and following safety procedures and operating instructions. The work takes place in a climate-controlled manufacturing environment with some noise, for which hearing protection is required, and normal physical injury hazards. Relocation is not provided. Employment is contingent on work authorization, signing required agreements, completing Form I-9, passing a drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.

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 and wrist motions, and use fine motor skills approximately 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.
Strong mechanical and computer skills.
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide recommendations.
Ability to follow instructions and prioritize tasks.
Good math, writing, and communication skills.
Self-directed and self-motivated, with a proven work ethic and ability to perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

Interpret and analyze job specifications and instructions; set up or assist with setting up the press using the correct components and adjustments to achieve color and registration targets while minimizing waste.
Load and unload stock; maintain ink quality and supply; change, clean, and store tooling.
Monitor and troubleshoot equipment and print issues at the beginning of and throughout production runs to ensure product meets customer standards.
Determine or influence press speed for efficient operation; monitor color, registration, and detail against specifications and correct problems.
Identify mechanical problems and correct them or refer them to maintenance when 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 on resolutions and alternatives.
Work flexibly across the department and learn and master at least two job functions or machines, such as a tinter, slitter, or Uteco.
Execute the quality system, including preflight, sampling plans, and removal of salvage or spoilage.
Complete production, spoilage, and shipping-accuracy paperwork and documentation.
Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning, including CIL tasks and preventive maintenance.
Follow established safety procedures, job instruction breakdowns, standard operating procedures, and single-point lessons.
Assist a team in printing gift wrap on a wide-web flexography press and learn the basics of flexographic printing and ink mixing.