OVERALL OBJECTIVE:
The Pre-Press Technician effectively processes print advertisements for electronic delivery to publications and vendors. The Pre-Press Technician supports the Print Production Manager by ensuring the highest quality assurance with technical skill and meticulous attention to detail. The Pre-Press Tech is responsible for the last stop on a print job’s lifespan – and the safety net to prevent expensive and potentially embarrassing errors.
Day to Day Duties:
- Expert knowledge of printing techniques/requirements for developing print-ready mechanical files. Must be able to show expertise with bleed/live/trim dimensions, color conversions, file exporting options, and any other skills required for precise output of print materials.
- Convert creative designs and concepts into print-ready mechanical files.
- Edit linked image files/artwork including to conform to publishing requirements.
- Review and compare completed digital file to job order and supplied proofs, ensuring that trapping, color, quality and position alignment meet client and/or vendor specifications.
- Prepare and send files electronically, via email, FTP or file delivery service.
- Perform basic proofreading for quality assurance and make simple edits as needed (i.e. spelling corrections, address changes, etc.).
- Electronically review all supplied electronic files and troubleshoot problems, making technical corrections as necessary.
- Pre-flight and verify supplied electronic files or manipulate files from supplied graphics and text files for final proof needed for delivery to client or vendor.
- In-depth knowledge of file and server management, such as consistent application of naming conventions, file/folder organization, versioning control, job slugs, and more.
- Adhere to delivery deadlines.
- Provide updates on the status of work orders.
- Maintain file server and image library.
- Receive and process files from 3rd party sources and organize on file server.
- Process files for large-format printing and mount presentation boards.
- Answer technical calls from clients, vendors and internal associates.
- Produce specific PDF profiles for consistent file output.
- Maintain a positive attitude when working with colleagues, associates, and clients. Be solutions-oriented, and be supportive in finding solutions to unexpected challenges.
- Proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting established deadlines, or seeking out supervisor support for solving potential conflicts. Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills
- Bachelor’s degree required and/or 2+ years of professional experience.
- Expert knowledge in Adobe InDesign and Acrobat on a Mac OSX platform.
- Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Expert knowledge of file format types, such as PDF, TIF, EPS, JPG, PNG, GIF, etc. and how to create/edit them.
- Strong communication skills; a team player with a positive attitude.
- Highly motivated and a high level of initiative.
- Ability to follow specific instructions, maintain precision, accuracy and attention to details.
The responsibilities are many, various, and not limited to those written in this document
THE EXTRAS:
- Work with nationally recognized talent.
- Work with premiere regional and national clients.
- Excellent benefits package including full medical, paid vacation, holidays & sick/PTO, 401(k) to name a few.
Required Experience