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O*NET-SOC 51-5112.00

Printing Press Operators

Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.Core19430
  2. Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.Core19423
  3. Adjust ink fountain flow rates.Core19417
  4. Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.Core19431
  5. Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.Core19421
  6. Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.Core19424
  7. Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.Core19427
  8. Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.Core19426
  9. Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.Core19429
  10. Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.Supplemental19422
  11. Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.Core19419
  12. Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.Core19418
  13. Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.Core19428
  14. Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.Supplemental19416
  15. Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.Core19425
  16. Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.Core19420
  17. Direct or monitor work of press crews.Supplemental19433
  18. Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.Supplemental19434
  19. Maintain time or production records.Core19435
  20. Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.Supplemental19432
  21. Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.Core19437
  22. Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.Core19436
  23. Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.Supplemental19438

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 28 examples in 15 categories, 9 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Industrial control software

  • AABACH Graphic Systems DIGRA

Document management software

  • Adobe AcrobatHot Technology
  • Adobe LifeCycle Production Print ES3
  • Xerox FreeFlow Print Server

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe IllustratorHot Technology
  • Adobe PhotoshopHot Technology
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Graphics software
  • Image editing software

Desktop publishing software

  • Adobe InDesignHot Technology
  • Adobe PageMaker
  • Enfocus PitStop Pro
  • QuarkXPress

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Electronics for Imaging EFI Monarch
  • Electronics for Imaging EFI Pace
  • SAP softwareHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Inventory management software

  • Inventory tracking software

Calendar and scheduling software

  • Job scheduling software

Project management software

  • Job tracking software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Printers Software Inc. Presidio
  • Printing management system software

Cloud-based data access and sharing software

  • Squeegee

Financial analysis software

  • Xerox ProfitQuick

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

  • Evaluate quality of materials or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

  • Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Clean production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Load materials into production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

  • Install mechanical components in production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

  • Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Operate cutting equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Working with Computers

  • Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Program equipment to perform production tasks.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Download data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

  • Lubricate production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Record operational or production data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Direct operational or production activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 24
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.