Prepress Operator

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Prepress Operator 
Job Title: Creative Media Designer II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Print Shop 
Posting Number: 7941 
Closing Date: 08/21/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Production 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $4,440.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RBB) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 4503,4511,4591,165X,35PX,3N0X6,46S,INF,MC,PA 
 
 
 

Job Description:

Sets up files and operates prepress machinery. Reviews work order tickets and job file specifications as work arrives at the print shop. Impose jobs to the correct press using Apogee software. Proofs all incoming new/revised jobs and outputs printing plates once files are approved. Provides some light typesetting and manipulation of customer provided files. Track proofs out with customers and provide follow up contact. Prints out any large format plotter jobs in prepress. Contacts customer for any questions regarding files or any problems as the first point of production in the print shop. Archives all received files correctly for future use. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and resolves basic problems. Performs maintenance functions on all prepress machinery and keeps inventory of prepress supplies in stock. Contacts vendors for needed repairs on prepress equipment. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

1.     Prepress: Read and understand work orders as they come in. Pre-flight customer files to include checking for marks and bleeds, checking color separations on multicolored work, and checking the flat size against the finished size. Impose jobs using Apogee Prepress for the assigned press(es). This may require consulting with the press operators and bindery staff. Create templates in Apogee and check if the imposition will work for the job including, if needed, revisiting the press operators and bindery staff, make lasers of the signatures to ensure their correctness. Proof all new or revised jobs using a color proof, folded sample, and then track the proof until approved. Once approved, output printing plates to the correct press. Archive apogee prepress jobs for future reprints. This work requires a working knowledge of prepress layout, printing, bindery and associated Prepress applications.                                                 70%

2.     Light Typesetting of customer files: Typeset or design jobs for customers that do not have the capabilities. This is usually limited, but not exclusively, to business cards, letterheads, envelopes, etc. Correct, edit, or revise existing files for customers who have the parent files, but do not have the means to make their own changes; or recreate the job from customer provided files to make them more press ready. Scan in hardcopies for Prepress or Copy Center use, including cleaning the scans and other edits to make the files printable. This work requires extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite Applications, how non-Adobe products create PDFs, and the ability to investigate and deduce how customer

            files are constructed.                                                               20%

3.     File Management: Move files from the FTP to their proper year and month storage folder in the jobs server. Remove any old files from the FTP that are over one month old and file them away. Delete any unclaimed/unused files over a year old. File jobs from the Quick Copy department in the job server, this includes keeping the file in a separate folder from the customer supplied file. Back up any months that are over four months old onto DVD for long term storage noting they have been disk archived on the job’s server. Back up template files from Preps to designated folder on the FTP computer once a month if not more. Retrieve files from jobs server or disk archive as needed. Back up Apogee Prepress archive files to jobs server using job number to file. Remove jobs in the Apogee Prepress (after ensuring that the jobs are archived) to keep the active jobs under 600 to ensure the performance of the server. Remove old job jackets in the file room yearly if not printed in over ten years.                2%

4.     Networking (Prepress): Make sure that all computers are up to date on security patches including any computers used to access old file formats. Solve computer and networking issues as needed. Make sure that the jobs server is functioning. Monitor the Apogee Server and call IT for any issues. Answer any questions from the media department or customers about files, adobe software, or printing issues. Call in and work with IT Support to solve any problems that cannot be managed internally.                                               1%

5.     Maintenance: Check water level in tank of processor. Do monthly thorough cleaning of plate processor. Make sure that the plate setter and associated equipment get preventive maintenance every six months. Ensure that the proofer and plotter are maintained including nozzle cleaning and waste tanks. Make minor repairs to equipment as needed (if possible). General cleaning of the work area.    1%

6.     Proof tracking (Prepress and Copy-Center): Fill out the proof ticket with the correct information. Soft proofs are emailed; making sure that the email has the correct job number and title/form number. Package proofs and make sure a copy of work order is attached to them. Note the date when the proof is sent out on the bottom of the work order. Digital proofs are tracked the same way. Email reminders on proofs that have been out more than two weeks. Attach copies of the reminders for the work order for tracking purposes. Sort returned proofs, sending approved proofs into the plating bins for production. Any proofs that need correcting or new files start the process over again.                                                                                        2%

7.     Tracking jobs that are on hold: Keep the hold jobs sorted chronologically by date received and put on hold. Email reminders every two weeks to the customers. Attach copies of the emails for the work order for tracking purposes. After six to eight weeks (depending on the customer) move jobs to the front office to be cancelled and stored in the cancelled jobs file.                                                2%

8.     Inventory: Assess what prepress stocks are on hand and order ahead of time so that there are ample supplies present to ensure there is no down time. Assess what hardware/software needs to be upgraded and use the proper channels to acquire them.          1%

9.     Miscellaneous: Output large format printing on the plotter. Record all time and materials it takes to do a job on the back of the work order. Perform other duties as assigned.                                            1%

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:      N/A 

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge and experience working in the printing industry. Knowledge and experience working with Adobe, Creative Suite, and other software to design, produce, and manipulate electronic customer provided print files. Ability to collaborate with designers and customers to ensure layout and printing is correct. Ability to diagnose and resolve printing file problems. Ability to create accessible print ready PDF’s. Ability to manage production files and track assignments and use unit server to archive project files. Knowledge of different paper weights and types. Knowledge of building print-ready files from multiple sources (websites, flash drives, etc.). Skilled in providing high quality customer service. Skilled in communicating with other section supervisors, employees, and customers. Experienced in making decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Able to understand and follow highly complex instructions and work under exacting deadlines.

Initial Screening Criteria:

18 months printing or design/graphic experience using Adobe, Creative Suite software to design, produce, and manipulate electronic customer provided print files to create accessible print ready pdf’s. Experience working with customers and designers to provide support and customer service. Experience tracking and archiving files.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.