PEAK - Print and Finishing Assistant

This position is being filled through OU's PEAK Temporary Staffing Service. We are seeking a Print and Finishing Assistant to join our printing team. The successful candidate will assist in operating and maintaining bindery equipment, support wide-format finishing processes, and contribute to offset press operations. This role focuses on assembling, binding, and finishing printed materials such as books, magazines, catalogs, and wide-format products, as well as supporting offset printing tasks to produce high-quality printed materials. The position requires strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Skills:

• Assist in operating bindery equipment, including cutters, folders, stitchers, and laminators, to produce finished printed materials.
• Support wide-format finishing processes, such as mounting, trimming, and applying protective coatings for large-scale prints.
• Assist in operating offset printing presses, including setup, color calibration, and monitoring print quality to ensure consistency.
• Prepare and adjust offset press plates and inks to meet job specifications.
• Help set up bindery, wide-format, and offset press equipment according to job specifications and perform trial runs.
• Support routine maintenance and troubleshoot issues with bindery, wide-format, and offset press equipment to minimize downtime.
• Ensure quality control by inspecting finished products and offset printed outputs for accuracy and consistency.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Basic math and computer skills for equipment operation and job tracking.
• Collaborate effectively with interdepartmental teams to meet production goals.
• Read and understand complex written materials, such as blueprints, job tickets, or technical manuals. Work independently with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Job Requirements

Required: High school diploma or GED; AND: 6 months experience in shipping and receiving.

Certifications or Licenses: Valid Oklahoma Driver's License in order to drive University vehicles or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire date.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Basic math and computer skills; Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions; Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information; General office skills such as multi-line phone, copying, filing, faxing, and mail; Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines; Ability to work independently; Assist in operating bindery equipment, including cutters, folders, and stitchers, and support wide-format finishing processes; Help set up machines according to job specifications and perform trial runs; Support routine maintenance and troubleshoot issues with equipment; Assist with mail preparation, sorting, and processing to meet postal requirements; Ensure quality control by inspecting finished products and mailed materials; Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean work environment; Basic math and computer skills; Collaborate effectively with interdepartmental teams and initiatives; Read and understand complex written materials such as blueprints, metrics, or technical manuals; Work independently with strong organizational skills.

Departmental Preferences:

• Previous experience with bindery equipment, wide-format finishing, or offset press operations preferred.
• Strong mechanical skills and keen attention to detail for precise equipment handling and print quality.
• Familiarity with color management and ink mixing for offset printing.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfort with repetitive motion and physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more occasionally, with frequent bending and stooping.
• Tolerance for regular exposure to noise, inks, and odors in the work environment.

Physical Conditions:

Ability to engage in repetitive motion. Lift weight up to 50 lbs. Frequent moving, pulling and carrying of non-uniform objects. Must be able to determine the condition of items by sight.

Environmental Conditions:

Exposure to extreme temperature changes.