GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
The CAMERA, STRIPPING, PLATEMAKER receives instructions and hard copy which is photographed and manipulated using a variety of processes to produce printing plates.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Camera Operation. Typical tasks: reviews job order and copy to be sure material is camera ready and to determine page sizes needed; if not clear on directions may contact customer service representative, supervisor or client, for clarification of what is wanted; if copy is not fully camera‑ready, evaluates to determine if sufficient to produce an attractive and functional product; may need to cut and paste text and graphics to create camera ready pages; mounts camera‑ready copy in front of camera lens, adjusts distance from lens to produce correct page size; installs filters or screens to produce color or tones required; sets up or adjusts lights; sets exposure time and makes final adjustments to camera and installs film; takes photo and removes film; inserts film in automatic developer or develops by hand in dark room; dries resultant negative and examines for any imperfections and if necessary retakes photo; may operate automatic negative drier; makes reductions, enlargements, or multiple images as required; uses knowledge of equipment to make technical adjustments for production of two, three, or four‑color jobs and overlay work.
2. Stripping. Typical tasks: examines job order, past samples, artwork, dummies and any special instructions to visualize final product; selects base material based on registration requirements; upon occasion determines layout based on stock size and grain, presses to be used and printing method, scoring, perforating, numbering, die cuts, drilling, types of folding, padding, collating, binding and trimming; calculates margins and draws layout; figures imposition and head direction by making folding dummies; some jobs require additional processing such as film reverses, spreads and chokes, cutting rubylith windows, duplicate negatives, color separations, angle screens or composites;may produce a "blue line" print or prepress proof of finished layout for client review before proceeding further, may review product with customer service representative to insure it meets customer needs, reviews final product for quality, or submits to supervisor or leadworker for review and approval.
3. Platemaking. Typical tasks: exposes light sensitized printing plates through negative flats, develops plates in automated processor, examines plate for evidence of flaws, compares finished plates to instructions on the job order as well as any artwork or dummies; takes finished plate to supervisor for review or routes to pressroom.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: cleans, adjusts, and performs preventive or corrective maintenance on all equipment used; properly records work time by job number and appropriate function code; maintains files of completed client plates which may be reused or revised in the future; orders supplies as necessary; mixes chemical solutions used in developers and printers; provides training, guidance and advice to trainees or new employees; may collect, record and present production data when needed by supervisor or management; may assist in pressroom, bindery, or composing room when required.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
Employees in this class have frequent in‑person or telephone contact with composing, pressroom, and bindery staff to discuss order requirements and coordinate production efforts on given jobs. There is frequent telephone or in‑person contact with clients to clarify orders or to recommend changes in order specifications for a better or less expensive product. There is occasional in‑person or telephone contact with management staff or vendors to discuss new products being tested.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Camera, Stripping, Plateroom receives general supervision from a Camera, Stripping Plateroom Supervisor or other printing plant supervisor. The employee works with considerable independence regarding processes and procedures used. Guidance is provided in the form of unit or plant handbooks setting forth production and quality standards and equipment and materials operational manuals or instruction guides. Work is normally reviewed as complete in relation to production and quality standards.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Positions are primarily found in the production environment of a printing plant. They require the willingness to work in the environment associated with the position's location including a lowly lit room with light tables and standing for prolonged periods of time.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA)
Extensive knowledge of the theory, practice, and printer's measures used
in paste‑up, layout, and imposition of text and graphic material in order to produce correct, high quality printing plates.
General knowledge of the set up, operation, and maintenance of cameras,
developers and related equipment, and materials commonly used in printing plants.
General knowledge of the set up, operation, and maintenance of vacuum
printers, light systems, plate finishers and related equipment, and materials used in a printing plant.
General knowledge of chemicals and solutions used in plateroom equipment
and standards of safety required in their use.
General knowledge of composing, press, and bindery operations as they may
impact platemaking operations and procedures.
Skill in cut and paste, layout, and imposition processes including ability
to do 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 or 32‑page signatures and double side printing.
Skill in layout and imposition processes necessary to produce high quality
2, 3 and 4‑color and overlay plates.
Skill in the set up, adjustment, operation, and maintenance of printing
plant production cameras (including floor mounted unit on 18‑foot track), developers, and related equipment.
Skill in the set up, adjustment, and operation of plate processing and
related equipment.
Skill in the use of hand tools, measures, knives, inks, and related
materials used to correct or enhance copy or printing plates.
Skill in planning and adjusting layouts to create high quality printed
materials.
Ability to assist and advise clients regarding production problems,
clarification of orders or copy preparation.
Ability to maintain contact with composing, printing, and bindery staff
to ensure coordination of platemaking process to accommodate other unit's production or equipment requirements.
Ability to maintain accurate production records.
Ability to order and maintain adequate supplies of parts and materials.
Ability to train, assist and advise new employees regarding plateroom
operations.
Ability to maintain current knowledge in the field regarding equipment,
materials, processes, and procedures related to platemaking through reading of trade publications and attending in‑service training as provided.
Ability to perform, observe, and accurately record testing of new
products, materials or equipment.
NOTE: The KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS are required for initial consideration. ABILITIES may be required for initial consideration, at any time during the selection process, or during a trial service period as a final stage of the selection process. Some duties performed by positions in this class may require different KSA's. No attempt is made to describe every KSA required for all positions in this class. Additional KSA requirements will be explained on the recruiting announcement.
Adopted 4/90
Revised
Examples of work are typical of duties assigned to this class. No attempt is made to describe every duty performed by all positions in this class.