Position: Composition Technician

Position Summary:

Performs skilled work in the operation of differential spacing and composing machines and phototypesetting equipment. An employee in this class programs and keyboards differential spacing equipment, operates phototypesetting equipment and performs paste-up operations in the production of camera-ready copy for forms, newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, tickets, invitations, etc. Work is performed under general supervision of the Supervisor of Print and Mail Production. Work is reviewed through conferences and observation of results achieved.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follows job specifications, format or layout;
• Selects style and size of type and spacing of material;
• Programs and operates automated differential spacing equipment in keyboarding and coding material on 8-channel perforated tapes; programs and operates phototypesetter to prepare photo type set and justified copy from tapes;
• Performs paste-up operations consisting of alignment of copy on page, spacing of headings and photographs, and cropping of pictures and illustrations to produce galley, page proofs, and camera-ready copy;
• Corrects and revises proofed material;
• Also operates IBM composer in producing camera-ready copy of forms, letterheads, tickets and justified copy;
• Works closely with customers in planning and editing of jobs;
• Performs routine clerical tasks incident to the work including records of time and materials expended on various operations; maintains contact with customers as to the progress of camera-ready copy; and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Good knowledge of the styles and sizes of types used;
• Good knowledge of business English and spelling; some knowledge of duplicating and printing processes;
• Good knowledge of drawing instruments for preparing charts, graphs and lines forms;
• Good knowledge of the operation of differential spacing and composing machines;
• Good knowledge of modern office appliances, practices and procedures;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and customers; and must be in good physical condition.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Completion of a standard high school diploma or GED with considerable experience in the operation of differential spacing, composing and phototypesetting equipment; considerable paste-up experience and experience in the use of drawing instruments; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certification:

None required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.