Operate or tend various types of printing machines, such as offset lithographic presses, letter or letterset presses, flexographic or gravure presses, to produce print on paper or other materials such as plastic, cloth, or rubber.

Pushes buttons, turns handles or moves controls and levers to start printing machine or manually controls equipment operation. Turns, pushes or moves controls to set and adjust speed, temperature, inkflow, and position and pressure tolerances of press. Selects and installs printing plates, rollers, screens, stencils, type, die, and cylinders in machine according to specifications, using hand tools. Loads, positions and adjusts unprinted materials on holding fixture or in loading and feeding mechanisms of press. Reviews work order to determine ink, stock and equipment needed for production. Accepts orders, calculates and quotes prices and receives payments from customers. Discards or corrects misprinted materials, using ink eradicators or solvents. Dismantles and reassembles printing unit or parts, using hand and power tools, to repair, maintain or adjust machine. Cleans and lubricates printing machine and components (e.g., rollers, screens, typesetting, reservoirs) using oil, solvents, brushes, rags and hoses. Removes printed materials from press, using handtruck, electric lift or hoist, and transports them to drying, storage or finishing areas. Inspects and examines printed products for print clarity, color accuracy, conformance to specifications and external defects. Pours or spreads paint, ink, color compounds and other materials into reservoirs, troughs, hoppers or color holders of printing unit. Blends and tests paint, inks, stains and solvents according to type of material being printed and workorder specifications. Monitors and controls operation of auxiliary equipment, such as cutters, folders, drying ovens and sanders to assemble and finish product. Directs and monitors activities of workers feeding, inspecting and tending printing machines and materials. Keeps daily time and materials usage reports and records identifying information printed on manufactured products and parts. Packs and labels cartons, boxes or bins of finished products. Monitors feeding, printing and racking processes of press to maintain specified operating levels and detect malfunctions.

Production and Processing -- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. Mechanical -- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Operation and Control -- Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Operation Monitoring -- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Equipment Selection -- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. Quality Control Analysis -- Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Visual Color Discrimination -- The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. Control Precision -- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Manual Dexterity -- The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Visualization -- The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. Number Facility -- The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). Handling and Moving Objects -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment -- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles. Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People -- Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information -- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.