Prepress technicians set the foundation for successful printing in production. They are responsible for preparing layouts and for providing graphic designing upon request of customers. They assist with associated prepress functions such as running data via bulkmailer in accordance with USPS regulations based on package weight, size, and type, setting up files for variable data and merging it with the databases provided, setting up printing presses to produce electronic proofs, hard proofs and die cut plates, laying out jobs for printing and binding using a variety of graphics software applications within adobe suits and HP Smartstream plug in’s. Prepress technicians utilize various software applications to work with technical layout and design components in order to set traps, produce halftones, duo tones, and verify or install fonts on copy that is sent electronically from customers for one-color, multi-spot color, or four-color process jobs. They utilize file imposition for best fit on a press sheet, retrieve and store files on the departmental server. They ensure that the proper format, appearance, and layout of text and images are set before the full print run for any wide format or press project. This is not limited to, but can consist of signs, magazines, brochures, catalogs, etc. They are responsible for uploading mail.dat files and other postal paperwork to postal one for all mailing going to the post office each day. They are ultimately responsible for loading electronic files for output onto the print file servers after ensuring that the print layout fits the presses and wide format requirements that is best suited for each area of Printing and Mailing Services to effectively and efficiently produce quality products, while ensuring that all mail regulations are met for mailings each day.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
1. Read workorder as well as all notes and instructions (customer notes, digital paperwork, etc.).
2. Use Adobe Create Suite software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat) to check incoming work to determine if all elements of the job conform to specifications.
3. Ensure that we have all fonts needed for the job and resolve font conflicts.
4. Check for type reflow.
5. Identify missing images and inform customer.
6. Identify color issues (RGB, spot colors, etc.).
7. Identify page layout issues (wrong margins, no page bleed, wrong page count, etc.).
8. Perform basic troubleshooting.
9. Communicate concerns found in preflight procedure to Account/Project Manager, customer, and/or production personnel.
10. Work directly with Account/Project Manager /customer as necessary to resolve issues/problems.
11. Work with the HP Smartstream Designer plug-in to create press-ready files for production (imposition, add crop marks, export as correct file type).
12. Work with Excel data files and link variable data InDesign art files to corresponding data sheet (also be familiar with endorsement codes, barcode fonts and mailing specs for variable mailing pieces).
13. Work with the HP Smartstream Production Pro Print Server to upload press-ready files for production.
14. Knowledge and ability to upload several file types to Infigo, our web to print software
15. Ability to process data for both daily mail and one off mailings through Bulk Mailer presort software.
16. Upload mail.dat files and other postal paperwork to postal one for all mailing going to the post office that day.
17. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.
Qualifications, Credentials, and Competencies
Working knowledge of Macintosh and Windows operating systems. Working knowledge of the following software: adobe acrobat, adobe acrobat distiller, adobe indesign, adobe illustrator, adobe photoshop, HP smartstream designer, HP smartstream production pro print server, safari web browser, microsoft excel, dropbox, microsoft outlook. Working knowledge of font handing on different operating systems, PDF creation, troubleshooting and external support devices (CD, DVD, Zip Disk, Flash Drive, etc). Working knowledge of PDF creation, bindery, press and mail specifications (drill allowance, margins, bleeds, etc). Working knowledge of email, FTP, and InSite file transfers.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Effective communication both verbally and in writing. Ability to intuitively reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Strong organizational and computer skills.
Target Hire Date
2025-04-07
Time Type
Full time
Location
Lynchburg - In Office
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.
