Pre-press tech/Press Operator Assistant

who we are

CREAM is a Tucson-based, locally owned, creative, mission-driven company that works with our partners to conceptualize, design, and create products and experiences. 

We are committed to supporting our local community and elevating creatives while offering a stable and empowering workplace for our employees through good business practices.

job description

The Pre-Press Tech/Press Operator Assistant is responsible for keeping track of and organizing items to print based on work orders and invoices, reclaiming and burning screens to make sure they are ready to print, preparing inks for use for upcoming jobs, and tracking inventory of shop supplies. The Pre-press Tech is accountable to our Shop Manager and communicates with other departments at CREAM to ensure materials are prepared and ready for the Lead Printer to produce high quality prints.

Hours: Part time position, M-F 9-5 (weekly hours can vary between 10-20 depending on production schedule and season).

Compensation: $14.50+/hour depending on experience and training.

Benefits: CREAM offers paid holidays and PTO, compensation for professional development, employee pricing on print projects, and 3% retirement matching.

Responsibilities

  • TECHNICAL:

    • Cleaning ink off screens and other items using different methods depending on ink type

    • Reclaiming screens; removing emulsion and ensuring the screens are free of ink residue

    • Coating screens using emulsion

    • Burning screens on the correct mesh type based of the details of the print and the ink type that will be used

    • Mixing plastisol and water-based inks with a color-matching system.

    • Helping print using a variety of presses and techniques.

  • GENERAL:

    • Prioritizing and following safety procedures, and holding others accountable for providing a safe workplace

    • Working within time limits to meet deadlines for print jobs and production workflow objectives

    • Following and updating our Production Calendar to keep other CREAM members informed and up to date.

    • Being punctual for daily shifts, internal meetings and other agreed upon time-specific activities

    • Cleaning and maintaining the printing area and other workspaces

    • Being receptive to feedback on job performance, print quality, communication with other people, and any interpersonal issues with other CREAM members

    • Seeking out professional development opportunities with the support of CREAM

    • Follow CREAM’s Code of Conduct to maintain a safe, equitable and positive work environment conducive to personal and professional growth

Skills Required*

  • Proficiency and familiarity with the technical responsibilities listed above, relating to prep & cleaning of screens, ink mixing and general knowledge of screen printing

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, procedures, packing slips, work orders, and instructions

  • Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written means

  • Ability to analyze and solve problems alone and work collaboratively with others

  • Ability to visually inspect garments and detect small defects

  • Ability to be on your feet for 8 hours, stand, kneel, crouch and regularly lift and load materials up to 30 pounds.

*BECAUSE THIS IS A ROLE THAT REQUIRES TECHNICAL AND SKILL-BASED ABILITIES, PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE

If would be a ‘plus’ if you...

  • Have experience using Printavo or other workflow software.

  • Have experience with manual screen-printing.

  • Have experience with Automatic Press printing.

  • Have experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, or other graphics software.

  • Have interest in facilitating and teaching screen-printing classes.

  • Have experience mixing ink with a Pantone mixing system.

We are committed to building a space that maximizes the potential of all employees by valuing diversity interpersonally and institutionally. We are working to create a level playing field for employee success with greater equity and accessibility where all members on our team feel safe, empowered and encouraged to grow as workers and people. We value transparency, accountability and improvement, and feel that only when everyone has a seat at the table can we build a stronger workplace that serves our clients and community.