Heartland Label Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description:Press Operator Job Description

Position Summary

The Press Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of a Mark Andy flexographic printing press to produce high-quality label rolls that meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production schedules. This position ensures safe and efficient press operation, maintains print quality throughout production runs, and supports continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing environment.

Compensation

Pay Range: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

*Plus an additional $1.50 for working 2nd shift

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Press Setup and Operation

• Set up and operate flexographic printing presses according to work order specifications and production requirements.
• Review job tickets and production orders to determine quantities, colors, substrates, print sequences, anilox specifications, and customer requirements.
• Install and configure printing plates, cylinders, dies, rollers, gauges, feed guides, screens, and other press components.
• Load, position, and adjust substrates and materials into press feeding mechanisms.
• Set and adjust press parameters including speed, temperature, registration, pressure, tension, and ink flow.

Quality Control

• Inspect printed products throughout production runs to ensure print clarity, color consistency, registration accuracy, and conformance to customer specifications.
• Identify and correct print defects, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns promptly.
• Reposition printing plates, adjust pressure settings, and make machine adjustments to optimize print quality.
• Complete required quality checks and production documentation accurately.

Ink and Material Management

• Mix, blend, test, and adjust inks, coatings, solvents, and other materials according to work order requirements.
• Monitor ink viscosity and color consistency throughout production.
• Replenish inks and materials as needed while minimizing waste.
• Maintain proper handling and storage of inks, solvents, and production materials.

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Monitor press performance and auxiliary equipment to maintain efficient operation.
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and preventive maintenance on presses and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, print quality, and production issues and make necessary adjustments.
• Report equipment concerns to maintenance personnel when needed.

Finishing and Production Support

• Operate and monitor auxiliary finishing equipment as required.
• Package, label, and prepare finished products for shipment or next-stage processing.
• Maintain accurate production records, downtime documentation, and material usage reports.
• Assist with inventory management and material movement as needed.
• Support continuous improvement, 5S, and lean manufacturing initiatives.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements.
• Consistently wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, incidents, and equipment concerns promptly.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

Position Qualifications

Core Competencies

• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, high-quality work while minimizing errors.
• Adaptability: Effectively responds to changing priorities and production demands.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with team members, supervisors, and support departments.
• Organization: Demonstrates strong planning and time-management skills.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues quickly and implements effective solutions.
• Safety Awareness: Always promotes and follows safe work practices.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively to meet departmental and organizational goals.
• Quality Focus: Maintains a commitment to producing defect-free products that meet customer expectations.

Education and Experience

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, specifications, and production documentation.

Preferred

• Technical certification or associate degree in Printing Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
• Prior flexographic printing experience, preferably on Mark Andy presses.
• Experience in label, packaging, or converting manufacturing environments.

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to use measuring devices, gauges, inspection tools, and color-matching equipment.
• Understanding of flexographic printing processes and print quality standards.
• Basic data entry and production reporting skills.

Physical Demands Summary

This position is physically demanding, requiring employees to be on their feet most of the workday and regularly perform lifting, carrying, and movement-related activities.

Physical Activities

Constantly: Standing

Frequently (33% to 66% of the workday):

Walking

Handling/fingering

Reaching outward

Reaching above shoulder level

Bending

Occasionally (up to 33% of the workday):

Sitting

Climbing

Crawling

Squatting/kneeling

Lifting and Carrying

Up to 10 lbs: Constantly

11 to 20 lbs: Frequently

21 to 50 lbs: Frequently

51 to 100 lbs: Frequently

Over 100 lbs: Occasionally, with assistance as required

Push/Pull Requirements

Up to 12 lbs: Constantly

13 to 25 lbs: Frequently

26 to 40 lbs: Frequently

41 to 100 lbs: Occasionally

Frequency Definitions

Occasionally: Up to 33% of the workday

Frequently: 33% to 66% of the workday

Constantly: More than 66% of the workday

Other Physical Requirements

• Near, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision abilities.
• Ability to distinguish colors accurately.
• Manual dexterity and sense of touch.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hearing protection, safety glasses, face shields, and cut-resistant gloves.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to moving machinery, noise, vibration, heat, cold, dust, inks, solvents, and other production-related conditions. Employees must follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements while working around operating equipment and industrial materials.

Core Values

• Performance
• Respect
• Innovation
• Development
• Excellence

The Press Operator plays a critical role in ensuring operational excellence by combining technical expertise, leadership, and continuous improvement to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality flexographic printing operations while developing the next generation of press operators.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heartland Label Printers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability status.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the work eligibility of all new hires following an accepted job offer.