Webfed Offset Press Operator Consolidated Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established January 19, 2000

Definition of Series

This consolidated series specification describes four levels of Webfed Offset Press Operators that are responsible for the completion of webfed 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 logbooks 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*

Webfed Offset Press Operator I

This is the entry/first working level classification in the Webfed Offset Press Operator series. Under direction, operates and maintains a small two-unit webfed offset press; and does 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."

Webfed Offset Press Operator II

This is the journey level in the Webfed Offset Press Operator series. Under direction, does the necessary skilled work involved in setting up, operating, and maintaining a multiunit single stream business form press and/or a webfed offset press having more than two units; and does other related work.

Webfed Offset Press Operator III

This is the advanced journey level in the Webfed Offset Press Operator series. Under direction, operates a publication-type multicolor/multistream webfed offset press; and acts as a lead person of a press crew.

Webfed Offset Press Operator IV

This is the master journey level in the Webfed Offset Press Operator series. Under direction, acts as a lead operator over a second operator and press crew or may act as a leadperson over multiple operators and press crews.

Minimum Qualifications

Webfed Offset Press Operator I

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 offset press equipment.

Webfed Offset Press Operator II

Either I

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

Or II

Two years of experience operating webfed offset press equipment.

Webfed Offset Press Operator III

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing the duties of a Webfed Offset Press Operator II.

Or II

In the California state service, two years of experience performing the duties of an Offset Press Assistant.

Or III

Two years of full journey level experience operating a webfed multiunit heat set offset publication press equipped with a signature folder.

Webfed Offset Press Operator IV

Either I

In the California state service, two years of experience performing the duties of a Webfed Offset Press Operator III or Sheetfed Offset Press Operator IV.

Or II

Two years of experience as a lead press operator operating a webfed multiunit heat-set offset publication press equipped with a signature folder.

Knowledge and Abilities

Webfed Offset Press Operator I

Knowledge of: Basic lithography; multiunit presses and their functions including delivery system, dampening system, feeding system, inking system, and printing system; basic printing processes (e.g., electrostatic, photochemical, and produced image); prepress (imaging) and finishing processes; printing instruments and tools; use and care of blankets, rollers, offset plates, and their installation on presses; types of fountain solutions on webfed presses using a lithographic process; use and operation of cutting devices; safety requirements applied in the operation of printing equipment and industrial work place 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 and registration between printing units; set up and mount plates used on a multiunit webfed press; operate cutting devices; understand and follow basic safety and environmental regulations and practices; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; and stand for long periods of time. May shoot, strip, and layout negatives and produce printing plates.

Webfed Offset Press Operator II

Knowledge of: All of the above, and multiunit single stream business form or two-sided web turning offset webfed presses; color and register control systems; use and operation of gluing, perforating, and numbering devices.

Ability to: All of the above, and operate perforating, cutting, and imprint/numbering devices.

Webfed Offset Press Operator III

Knowledge of: All of the above, and leadperson principles; setting up roll fed autosplicers and folder(s) to effect all types of signature combinations; color process printing; operation of an oven used for the drying of various stock when running at high speed.

Ability to: All of the above, and set up and mount plates used on a multiunit, publication webfed offset press; operate and maintain publication webfed offset multiunit press including single and multistream publication webfed offset presses; operate folding devices; lead and instruct others.

Webfed Offset Press Operator IV

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and make adjustments on all webfed offset press equipment and do minor repairs.

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 color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Desirable Qualification

All Levels:

Equivalent to a twelfth grade education.

Class History