Prepress Specialist

Title: Prepress Specialist Location:   Plano, TX

 

Position Reports To:  Prepress Director  Prepared By:   Human Resources

   Position Overview

The Prepress Specialist provides the interface between the Creative Team and the Production Team. Files generated by Client and those generated within the Graphics Department must be reviewed so that film/plates can be accurately prepared in compliance with job specifications and company quality standards. The Prepress Specialist assists inside and outside sales staff in promoting services to Client. He or she schedules all work to meet customer timeframe requirements. The Prepress Specialist works closely with other staff members to meet or exceed customer satisfaction and service.

 

 Essential Job FunctionsCoordinate with the Production Team and the Sales Team to produce and prioritize jobs, and when necessary reorganize to meet deadline changes and updatesCommunicate effectively with the CEO, EVP/SAD and the Sales Team and the Production Team, informing and updating them regularly to guarantee that company objectives and customer objectives are metProvide training and advice to customers on the preparation of digital filesKeep current on latest technologies and software toolsReceive and manipulate files electronically from email and diskPreflight and troubleshoot customer digital files, load fonts, inspect graphics, and make color separationsPrepare files for output to film/plateLayout/impose files on printer templates. Set up register targets and trim lines for productionOutput files to image setter; set line screens, resolution, and other press-specific settingsOperate image setterProcess material through processor and trim plates to sizeProduce and proof all plates and film, making color key and blueline proofs as neededPerform paste-up and book imposition as necessary· Make backups on a regular basis and organize files for safe keeping and for easy retrieval· Clean and maintain equipment and work area following maintenance procedures, and update maintenance logs· Monitor and manage inventory of design and graphics supplies; order and stock supplies as assigned by supervisor· Maintain image setter and processors – changing media and chemistry, order suppliesPerform routine computer maintenance, including software updates and utility programs

 

Basic Job Qualifications:  Skills and AbilitiesOrganized and detail-orientedCommitted to providing excellence to clientsWorks well independantly and in a team environmentEffective in maintaining personal productivity and quality standardsPossesses confidentiality, tact, sensitivity, and professionalismExcellent language and communication skills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Education / Experience / Training

· Minimum of 2 years of print production experience

· Minimum of 1 year of practical experience in graphic design

· Thorough knowledge of professional publishing applications for Mac OS (Macintosh) or PC (IBM) including: Quark Xpress, Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Macromedia Freehand, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Publisher, CorelDraw, Corel WordPerfect, Adobe Photoshop

· Adequate knowledge of Macintosh and Windows platforms and operating systems

· Knowledge of PDF and postscript files and PDF plug-ins

· General knowledge of utility programs such as file compression, disk repair, print spoolers, PC to Mac, and Mac to PC conversion processes

· Experience in paste-up and book imposition

 

Working Conditions & Physical Demands (Walking, lifting, equipment, operation, etc.)

· Normal office environment