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Variable Data Printing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Compile all relevant information into a variable data file to be uploaded in our Email system, and/or submitted to the appropriate print vendor for processing. * Maintain and awareness of current ...

Lightspeed Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $102K/yr

Read and interpret print specifications on Lightspeed projects, ensure all required visual and ... Variable Data in Validation, OQs/PQs, Engineering Study / DOE * Experience using computer ...

Lightspeed Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Read and interpret print specifications on Lightspeed projects, ensure all required visual and ... Variable Data in Validation, OQs/PQs, Engineering Study / DOE * Experience using computer ...

New

Read and interpret print specifications on Lightspeed projects, ensure all required visual and ... Variable Data in Validation, OQs/PQs, Engineering Study / DOE * Experience using computer ...

Read and interpret print specifications on Lightspeed projects, ensure all required visual and ... Variable Data in Validation, OQs/PQs, Engineering Study / DOE * Experience using computer ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Variable Data Printing information

What is variable data printing?

Variable data printing (VDP) is a form of digital printing that allows elements such as text, images, and graphics to be changed from one printed piece to the next, without stopping or slowing down the printing process. This technology is commonly used for personalized marketing materials, direct mail campaigns, and customized labels. By leveraging data from databases or external files, VDP enables businesses to create highly targeted and individualized communications, improving engagement and response rates. The flexibility and efficiency of VDP make it a valuable tool for modern print marketing strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a variable data printing specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Variable Data Printing Specialist, you need expertise in digital printing processes, data management, and a solid understanding of graphic design principles, often supported by experience or certifications in print technology. Familiarity with software such as Adobe Creative Suite, variable data printing (VDP) platforms like XMPie or EFI, and database systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong organizational abilities help ensure accuracy and efficiency in producing customized print materials. These skills are vital for delivering high-quality, personalized print projects that meet client specifications and deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced in a variable data printing role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Variable Data Printing often encounter challenges such as managing data accuracy, ensuring seamless integration of customer data with design templates, and meeting tight turnaround times. Attention to detail is crucial, as errors in data merging can lead to costly misprints. Effective communication with clients and the prepress team helps clarify requirements and catch potential issues early. Leveraging advanced VDP software and conducting thorough proofing processes are key strategies to minimize mistakes and deliver high-quality, personalized print runs.

What is the difference between Variable Data Printing vs Digital Printer Operator?

AspectVariable Data PrintingDigital Printer Operator
CredentialsGraphic design, printing technology certificationsPrinter operation, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentPrint shops, marketing firms, direct mail companiesPrint shops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsagePersonalized marketing, direct mail campaignsMass printing, production runs
Job FocusDesigning and managing variable data filesOperating digital printing equipment

Variable Data Printing involves creating customized print materials by integrating variable information into templates, focusing on design and data management. Digital Printer Operators handle the operation and maintenance of digital printing machines, ensuring quality output. While both roles work within the printing industry, Variable Data Printing emphasizes data customization and design, whereas Digital Printer Operators focus on machine operation and production efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Variable Data Printing jobs in California?

For Variable Data Printing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Variable Data Printing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Variable Data Printing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Variable Data Printing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Variable Data Printing job openings:

Infographic showing various Variable Data Printing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Reprographics Specialist IV

California State University

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$4.5K - $6.6K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Reprographics Specialist IV
Job no: 561312
Work type: Staff
Location: Bakersfield
Categories: Unit 7 - CSUEU - Clerical and Administrative Support Services, Administrative, Temporary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Reprographics Specialist IV
UNION CODE: R07
TEMPORARY END DATE: This position is temporary and ends on or before June 30, 2027.
FT/PT: Full-time
PAY PLAN: 12-month
WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)
ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: Step 1 $4,570 - Step 5 $4,947
  • However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate's experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: Step 1 $4,570 - Step 20 $6,658
PAY BASIS: Monthly
BENEFITS: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 15 paid holidays per year and more! See our benefits website for additional information.
CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants
POSITION PURPOSE: Within Information Technology Services (ITS), the Printshop operates as part of the Support Services unit and serves the entire campus community, including the City of Bakersfield, Kern County communities, and other CSUs by providing support with printing and graphic design in a reasonable, timely manner, while maintaining a quality and customer service-oriented organization.
Under general direction of the Director of IT Service Operations, the Reprographics Specialist IV is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Printshop, including directing production workflow, establishing priorities, and ensuring the timely, high-quality delivery of print and digital media services. The incumbent exercises independent judgment in determining production methods, scheduling, and resource allocation, and is accountable for production outcomes, quality standards, and operational efficiency.
The position provides functional lead oversight of printshop operations, including assigning and prioritizing work of student assistants, training and guiding, and ensuring adherence to production and customer service standards. The incumbent performs and oversees the most complex reprographics functions across prepress, digital printing, high-speed copying, and bindery operations.
Additionally, the incumbent supports printshop business operations, including billing oversight, cost analysis, budget tracking, and inventory and procurement activities, and serves as a technical advisor to customers on print solutions and job specifications.
Promotional product and outsourced merchandise orders are managed by University Advancement and are outside the scope of this position.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Printshop & Print Production Operations
  1. Independently oversee and coordinate the full spectrum of print production daily operations within the Printshop, with accountability for workflow prioritization, production output, quality standards, and timely completion of all print and digital media projects.
  2. Provide lead direction and oversight to student assistants by assigning and scheduling daily work, training on print operations and customer service processes, and monitoring performance during public service hours to ensure quality and service standards are met.
  3. Manage print job intake through the Printshop's online ordering system (Print Shop Pro), evaluating job requirements and determining production methods, timelines, and resource needs.
  4. Establish production priorities and control daily workflow, determining job sequencing, resource allocation, and scheduling strategies to meet competing deadlines and maximize operational efficiency.
  5. Oversee prepress preparation and ensure all jobs are properly set up for digital printers, including advanced imposition, adding bleed areas, color correction, and manipulation of files using Adobe graphic design software.
  6. Set up assigned machines to specifications for binding, monitoring machines during the run to ensure adherence to specifications, unloading, stacking, and preparing for shipping and delivery. Perform hand bindery operations including cutting, binding, folding, stitching, and finishing print jobs as required.
  7. Perform high-speed copying (color, black and white) and duplication work including advanced variable data. Receive master material from hard copies or electronic media, perform advanced manipulation of color, prepare and set up files and equipment for copying and finishing, and review all proofs and final product samples before releasing to customers or performing finishing work.
  8. Perform high-quality digital printing work including advanced variable data, which involves receiving master material electronically, digitally manipulating color values, preparing and setting files and equipment for printing and finishing, and reviewing all proofs and final product samples produced before releasing to customers or performing finishing work. Use non-public service hours to complete prepress preparation, production runs, equipment maintenance, and complex jobs requiring extended uninterrupted time.
  9. Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance. Evaluate operational needs and provide recommendations regarding equipment repair, replacement, and capital purchases.
  10. Provide minor in-house design support for Printshop production needs, such as basic file edits, layout corrections, and prepress adjustments using Adobe Creative Cloud software.
  11. Identify opportunities to improve Printshop operations, customer experience, or production efficiency, including the use of AI and other tools where appropriate, and recommend workflow, process, or tooling changes to the Service Operations Manager.
  12. Refer larger design and creative projects to University Advancement Marketing and Communications.

Billing & Order Review
  1. Oversee and ensure accuracy of all billing and chargeback processes within the Print Shop Pro system, resolving discrepancies and ensuring alignment with established pricing structures.
  2. Thoroughly review pricing on all print orders to identify discrepancies and provide solutions to ensure accuracy and customer satisfaction.
  3. Monitor and evaluate operational costs using AI and/or other analytical tools and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, including materials usage, production processes, and workflow optimization.
  4. Contribute to printshop financial operations, including budget tracking, cost analysis, and forecasting. Provide input that informs pricing strategies and operational decision-making.
  5. Ensure print and digital production output meets University accessibility standards, including ADA compliance for printed materials.
  6. Manage vendor relationships for Printshop supplies, equipment service, and consumables, including evaluating quotes, and ensuring CSU procurement compliance.

Administrative, Inventory & Customer Operations
  1. Serve as a technical advisor to customers, developing job specifications, recommending production methods, and preparing cost estimates for complex printing and graphic production requests.
  2. Deliver advanced customer support over the phone and in person, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring a positive experience.
  3. Anticipate and maintain inventory on all Printshop equipment, printing supplies, and materials, ensuring adequate stock is maintained and reordering as necessary to prevent shortages.
  4. Process purchases using P2P and ProCard systems in compliance with CSU policies. Align purchasing decisions with operational needs and budget constraints.
  5. Support administrative operations of the printshop, including recordkeeping, job tracking, and coordination of production and delivery schedules.
  6. Maintain operational documentation, customer communications, and standard responses to recurring inquiries, including the use of AI and other productivity tools where helpful to support clear, consistent, and efficient

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - High school education or equivalent certification plus four (4) years of related experience. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
LICENSES - Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA's) -
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required.
  • Ability to perform detailed work independently and efficiently with a high degree of accuracy in a high volume, deadline driven environment.
  • Ability to operate high speed production digital printers, both black & white and color.
  • Thorough knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and other prepress software.
  • Ability to operate production bindery equipment: folders, cutters, creasers, booklet makers, and binders.
  • Advanced knowledge of reprographics operations, processes, and systems.
  • Fluency in operating systems and applicable software packages.
  • Advanced knowledge of the operation, adjustment, and routine maintenance of mechanical, digital, and computerized equipment and systems.
  • Ability to leverage standard productivity tools, including artificial intelligence and automation tools where appropriate, to support efficient operations, accurate billing and recordkeeping, customer communication, and clear documentation.
  • Thorough knowledge of desktop publishing and graphic software and the ability to manipulate and translate media, as well as process electronic files using pre-press software. Working knowledge of campus graphics standards as they apply to Printshop output.
  • Ability to advise customers on print needs and effectively work with designers to find creative solutions to provide products that satisfy requirements established by the customer and designer.
  • Thorough knowledge of department administrative procedures including job estimating, pricing and billing, Reprographics budget procedures, and related administrative functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work within Reprographics budgetary constraints.
  • Ability to provide lead direction to student assistants, including assigning, training, and reviewing work.
  • Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
  • Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
  • Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
  • Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
  • Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
  • Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
  • Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Prior experience providing lead direction to student employees in a higher education Printshop or Reprographics environment.
  • Demonstrated skills in an institutional or educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: MEDIUM WORK - up to 40% of the activities involve sitting, standing, squatting, kneeling or walking; lifting heavy weight objects limited to 50 pounds; may involve pushing and pulling objects within the weight limits.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
  • Is exposed to excessive noise
  • Is around moving machinery
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity
  • Is exposed to dust, fumes, gases, or radiation, microwave
  • Drives motorized equipment

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be require

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US