Print Production Specialist

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Overview

The Printing Assistant is responsible for the setup, operation, and routine maintenance of digital printing, wide-format, finishing, and cutting equipment used to produce a variety of printed materials. The position primarily operates digital direct-to-substrate UV flatbed and roll-to-roll wide-format printers, CNC digital cutters, and other digital production and finishing equipment.

The Printing Assistant will:

• Operate and maintain digital UV flatbed, roll-to-roll wide-format printers, high-speed digital presses, CNC digital cutters, and other finishing equipment.
• Produce graphics on a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates, including metals, plastics, boards, synthetics, vinyl, banners, canvas, and other specialty materials.
• Prepare, inspect, and troubleshoot production files in a variety of formats, ensuring jobs meet specifications outlined on the job ticket and comply with applicable brand guidelines.
• Operate and troubleshoot RIP and digital printing software and maintain appropriate printer settings, production profiles, and color management standards.
• Perform color calibration and as required to maintain consistent and accurate color reproduction.
•  Perform graphics installations, including site surveys to evaluate installation locations, identify required surface preparation, determine appropriate installation methods, and assess potential installation challenges.
• Remove existing vinyl and graphics and perform necessary surface preparation prior to installation.
• Thoroughly inspect printed materials before production and completed installations to ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications.
• Prioritize daily workloads and adjust production activities as deadlines and departmental priorities change.
• Perform routine cleaning, maintenance, and care of equipment and follow all required safety procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
• Maintain proficiency in Microsoft Office, MIS systems, digital production software, and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Work collaboratively with production staff and provide backup coverage across other areas of the print production operation as needed.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of client materials and information and ensure customer property and finished work are handled, stored, and delivered in clean and undamaged condition.
•  Provide professional and responsive service to internal and external customers and communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and clients. Participate in cross-training and develop proficiency in multiple areas of print production to support departmental operations.
• Safely operate and maintain production equipment and follow established safety procedures. 

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Schedules, sets up, operates, and maintains machinery for the production of printed material through typesetting, binding, lithography, and specialized offset printing. 2. Provides information to clients on style, format, ink, and type selection and lay-out. 3. Determines methods and materials for production. 4. Monitors jobs for accuracy, completeness and quality. 5. Makes adjustments to produce highest quality results. 6. Maintains and repairs equipment. Identifies and repairs malfunctions. 7. May order necessary supplies and materials. 8. Performs additional functions incidental to printing service activities.
 

Required Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to operate complex equipment including the equipment listed in the Position Focus in digital print production with minimal direction or instruction.
• Demonstrated multitasking ability and able to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure of deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality. References must indicate reliable attendance and punctuality. 
• Vinyl graphic installation skills for preparation and application. Skills to identify vinyl material to use for the determined application during installation. Knowledge of printing and mounting substrate materials. 
• Mechanical skills and experience in troubleshooting complex issues and using tools at an advanced level.
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite. Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Must understand and have experience in RIP workflows, color management, color calibration, ICC profiles, nesting, scaling, tiling, and print/cut setup. 
   

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills: 

Experience operating, digital presses, flatbed printers, roll to roll wide format printers, vinyl cutters, and CNC digital cutters. 

 Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and carry 75 lbs. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to work from ladders, lifts, and other elevated work platforms when properly trained and authorized.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Determines methods and materials for production. 2. Schedules, sets up, operates, and maintains machinery for the production of printed material through typesetting, binding, lithography, and specialized offset printing. 3. Monitors jobs for accuracy, completeness, quality, and timeliness. 4. Ensures finished product complies with job request specifications. 5. Oversees and instructs printing support staff. 6. Maintains and repairs equipment. Identifies and repairs malfunctions. 7. Makes service calls and assists in the resolution of major malfunctions. Order supplies and equipment. Maintains inventory of supplies. 8. Performs additional functions incidental to printing activities. Required Education and Experience Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

10/12/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade D

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$31.83

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.