Apprentice Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Hallmark is seeking a Print Apprentice at our Leavenworth Manufacturing Facility in Leavenworth, KS. The Print Apprentice will gain print experience by assisting on a team or operating equipment in the print department. The print apprentice will operate a variety of medium complexity equipment to tint tissue paper with a solid color of ink or to slit/rewind printed gift wrap. They assist on a team to print gift wrap on a wide web flexography press and learn the basics of flexographic printing. They will also learn how to mix inks and may work in the ink room.

Pay for this role starts around $24 per hour

This is a full-time position, Monday–Friday, 3:30pm–12:00am.

This position is located in Leavenworth, Kansas.  Relocation is not provided.

As a Print Apprentice you will:

• Interpret and analyze job specifications/instructions and sets up or assists in the set-up of the press with the correct components and with the proper adjustments to achieve color targets and registration with the least amount of waste as possible. This includes loading and unloading stock, maintaining ink quality and supply, changing tooling, and cleaning and storing tooling.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, or assist with equipment and print issues at the start of the production run and throughout the production run to ensure printed product meets customer standards. Determine or influence and enable the press speed to ensure efficient operation. Monitor equipment during production runs: check color, register, and detail against specifications and takes action to correct any problems.  Remain alert to mechanical problems and correct or refer to maintenance if necessary. When mixing ink, works efficiently to prioritize which inks to prepare and performs quality checks to ensure ink meets color, pH, and viscosity targets.  
• Participate in problem solving activities. Identify potential problems and proactively work on problem resolution and alternative solutions to traditional methods of operation. Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork to positively influence meeting or exceeding performance targets. Flexibly work where needed and learn and master at least two job functions or machines (tinter, slitter, Uteco) in the Print department.
• Execute the quality system including preflight, sampling plan, and the removal of salvage/spoilage.  Prepare related paperwork/documentation for shipping accuracy, including completing production data and spoilage.           
• Complete routine equipment maintenance and cleaning - including CIL tasks and preventative maintenance. Follow established safety procedures and all other job instruction breakdowns, standard operating procedures, and single point lessons.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience
• Successful experience as a Production Support Specialist in GA36 (old MFG3) level complexity or higher including Materials Movement Specialists OR Experience as an Ink Technician OR Experience as a Digital Plate Maker
• Must pass color perception test
• Ability to grasp, lift and carry product weighing up to 15 lbs frequently and 65 lbs occasionally
• Ability to stand and walk approximately 90% of the time
• Ability to reach, twist, bend, perform repetitive hand/wrist motion, and use fine motor skills 90% of the time
• Ability to occasionally work at or above shoulder level
• Ability to work overtime as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful experience as a Packaging Operator in GA37 grade
• Demonstrated strong mechanical skills and computer skills
• Ability to problem solve technical issues and provide recommendations
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritize tasks
• Good math, written, and communication skills
• Self-directed and self-motivated with a proven work ethic and ability to perform under pressure

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• There is some noise and hearing protection is required by Hallmark.
• This is a climate-controlled manufacturing environment with normal physical injury hazard.   

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

You must show how you meet basic qualifications (listed below) in a resume or document you upload, or by completing the work experience and education application fields.  Accepted file types are Microsoft Word (DOC or DOCX), PDF, HTML, or TXT. 

Internal applicants will be considered in seniority order based on skills, qualifications and performance.  You must address how you meet the basic qualifications of the job in a resume or document you upload, or by completing the work experience and education application fields. In order to be considered for this position:

• You must have satisfactory or better attendance for the rolling 12 months prior to the closing date of the internal job posting.
• You must have been in your current job for at least 6 or 12 months, depending on the role.
  • GA 35, 36, 37 – at least 6 months
  • GA 38, 39, 40 – at least 12 months
• You may not have any disqualifying CRs (quality, performance, safety, behavior, etc.) in the 6 months prior to the closing date of the internal job posting. 

If additional openings become available within 30 days of the posting coming down and the vacancy is still in an open status, applicants will be selected from the original posting. If interested in this job, please apply now. If you are offered and accept this position, you understand that you will be held within this position for 6 months.  If you are offered a new position once you accept, but have been in your position for less than 6 months you will not be able to move to a new role. 

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Hallmark Cards, Inc. and its subsidiary companies will hire only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Hallmark does not generally provide sponsorship for employment. Employment by Hallmark is contingent upon the signing of the Employment Agreement, signing of an agreement to arbitrate in connection with the Hallmark Dispute Resolution Program, completing Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification and satisfactory reference and background checks.