Second Pressman

DSS Administrative Group•West Henrietta, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Second Pressman supports the setup, operation, and performance of conventional and UV offset printing presses used in the production of paperboard packaging. This role is responsible for feeder-end operation, press support activities, wash-ups, quality checks, and routine preventative maintenance, while developing the technical skill to assist with blankets, plates, registration, and press console operations. The Second Pressman partners closely with the First Pressman to maintain safety, quality, and productivity and escalates issues appropriately to minimize downtime and waste.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience in offset printing or paperboard packaging preferred.
Working knowledge of printing processes, paperboard materials, and color standards is a plus.
Mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely operate hand tools and press-related equipment.
Basic computer skills for data entry and production reporting.
Strong attention to detail, quality, and safety.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Operate the feeder end of the press to support steady, accurate sheet feeding.
Prep and stage stock; stack stock on pallets and skids. Stack stock by hand when necessary to maintain workflow and quality.
Maintain housekeeping standards: keep the area around the press swept, clean, organized, and production-ready.
Follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements; remain vigilant to surroundings and immediately report or remove safety hazards (per policy).
Monitor inks in the fountains; add and stir inks to avoid color variation and minimize downtime.
Check coating viscosity and communicate adjustments needed to the First Pressman.
Maintain readiness of press supplies (blanket wash, roller wash, MRC, fountain solution, rags, plate cleaners, paste, etc.).
Perform wash-ups and changeovers to support next job readiness, including: Stripping and color washing units for the next job, Pasting and conditioning rollers when necessary, “Top to bottom” wash ups: ink fountains, stripping units, pan rollers, checking blankets, bearers, and back cylinders, Removal and cleaning of wash-up trays, Removal and cleaning of fountain solution pans.
Inspect printing quality throughout the run; check sheets for defects including (not limited to): Side guide position and bounce/variation, Back-up, scratches, broken type, Coating windows/coating position, Downside marking, Hickeys, spots, smashed blankets, etc.
Promptly alert the First Pressman to quality drift or press issues to support fast corrective action.
Perform press preventative maintenance as assigned, including: greasing, blowing down and vacuuming the delivery, changing air filters, and cleaning fountain solution tanks/filters.
Support mechanical duties under the First Pressman’s direction, including roller maintenance: pulling rollers, cleaning ink build-up inside units, checking for damaged rollers, and replacing when necessary.
Remove blanket and back-cylinder washer assemblies and replace cloth as required.