Job Description

The Houston Chronicle has an excellent opportunity for an entry-level Platemaker to join our Print Production team.  You will support all plate-making systems, monitor system level functions, and produce printing plates & electronic images for printing in the newspaper. 

You will:

·       Manage Plates & Chemical Inventory

·       Collect data from Image Setters daily and track plate usage through weekly & monthly reports

·       Prepare check off sheets for daily press runs (Page size, verify color position, identify which presses are running and type (straight, double off or collect)

·       Make daily plates as needed

·       On call to troubleshoot and assist with live production issues as it pertains to the Prepress operation

·       Work with vendors to learn how to operate new software systems

·       Train staff members on loading the skid load, trolley and new software systems

·       Train Pressroom employees on how to re-make plates

·       Work with mechanical maintenance group on equipment failure to get back online or make sure

·       Adjust exiting workflow to add new products (i.e. NY Times, WSJ, ACN….)

·       Adjust plate order to accommodate new products

·       Examine page files for quality

Skills/experience required:

·       Multi-tasking

·       Organizational Skills

·       Good Communicator

·       Problem Solving

·       Photoshop, Microsoft Office & Adobe

·       Mac & PC computer experience

·       Newspaper plate production helpful but not required

·       Mechanical aptitude

·       High school diploma or GED

This position will work varying evening hours & weekends.