Custom Ink Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DETAILS OF POSITION

Location: Santa Maria / Full-time: Monday - Friday / Some Weekends as Needed /

Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm / Starting Rate: $20.00 per hour

PURPOSE OF POSITION

VTC Enterprises has been supporting people with developmental disabilities since 1962. Part of fulfilling our mission includes providing individuals with community experiences to develop and promote their independence.

This position supports daily production operations by assisting with press setup, garment handling, quality control, and workflow coordination.

For more information visit our website:www.vtc-sm.org

Essential Functions andResponsibilitiesinclude the following. To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may beassigned.

Production Support

• Setup/breakdown of jobs and load/unload garments on manual and/or automatic presses.
• Monitor print runs for alignment, ink coverage, and quality; perform flash curing as needed.
• Stack, sort, and organize garments for curing and finishing.
• Manage job pacing to meet production goals, coordinating with support staff (e.g., catcher/assistant).

Quality Control

• Verify work orders for garments, ink colors, placement, and quantities prior to and during production.
• Inspect printed items for defects and ensure finished products match approved specifications.
• Remove/report defective items and maintain consistent production standards.

Ink & Color Preparation

• Mix custom ink colors according to job specifications or provided formulas.
• Adjust ink as needed during production to maintain color consistency and print quality.
• Label and store mixed inks in accordance with shop procedures.

Production Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Document job-specific details for repeatability and future efficiency, including ink formulas, print sequence/order, press settings, and any adjustments made during production.
• Maintain clear and accurate production notes to support reorders and reduce setup time on future jobs.
• Communicate relevant production insights or challenges to supervisors and team members.

Material Handling & Workflow

• Prepare garments for production (counting, sorting, staging by size/order).
• Track job progress and assist with order accuracy and completion timelines.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas to support efficient workflow.
• Assist with inventory handling of garments, inks, and supplies as directed.

Heat Press (Backup Support)

• Operate heat press equipment for transfers, labels, or specialty applications when needed.
• Follow temperature, pressure, and timing specifications for each job.
• Ensure proper placement and adhesion of heat-applied designs.
• Assist with finishing tasks such as folding, tagging, and packaging.

Equipment & Safety

• Follow all safety procedures related to equipment operation and workplace environment.
• Perform basic equipment checks and report maintenance needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free work area.

Equipment Cleaning & Shop Support

• Clean screens, squeegees, flood bars, and related tools after production runs when dedicated prep staff are not available.
• Assist with ink removal and basic screen cleaning processes (excluding reclaiming and screen coating).
• Maintain cleanliness of press areas, workstations, and shared equipment.
• Tape screens, organize tools, and restock consumables to support ongoing production.
• Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for inks and cleaning materials.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Qualificationsinclude the following. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for this position.

Education and/or experience: Minimum of a High School diploma or equivalent. Prior experience in screen printing, apparel production, or manufactured preferred but not required.

Communication skills:Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in English. Ability to write simple correspondence in English. Ability to remember oral or written instructions provided by others. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one to Individuals served and other employees.

Interpersonal skills: Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and management. Interact diplomatically with the public. Foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment.

Self-management skills:Perform effectively in environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands. Set priorities which accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities. Ability to follow detailed instructions and production schedules. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Reasoning ability:Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out basic written or oral instructions. Ability to think through the consequences of a decision prior to making it. Ability to recognize an emergency situation and take appropriate action.

Computer skills:Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Certificates,licenses, registrations: None

Other skills and abilities:Attention to detail, proficient in mixing/matching ink, ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment, and ability to solve problems quickly.

Benefits

• Paid holiday, vacation, and family leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401-K
• Employment Assistance Program (EAP)

VTC Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.