Print Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of digital printing, the focus on print technicians has never been more critical.

As technology advances, the need for skilled individuals who can operate, maintain, and troubleshoot our printing machinery grows more pressing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a print technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager shaping the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the intricacies of print technology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a flexible print technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get straight to it.

Print Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Print Technicians are responsible for managing and executing print jobs, maintaining printing equipment and providing technical support for print operations.

They combine their understanding of print production with technical skills to deliver high-quality print outputs.

Print Technicians have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain printing equipment, including digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines
• Mount plates or screens and load paper, ink and other supplies into machines
• Perform regular equipment inspections and schedule maintenance or repairs as needed
• Monitor production process to detect defects and adjust machine settings for optimal performance
• Ensure production meets quality and quantity standards and deadlines
• Measure, center, and align pre-pressed materials to prepare them for printing
• Correctly mix inks or solutions and load them into printing machines
• Read and interpret work orders to perform necessary print jobs
• Check final products for quality and adherence to customer specifications
• Communicate with clients and team members to understand project requirements and provide updates
• Adhere to safety protocols and keep the printing area clean and organized
• Keep a record of print jobs, materials used, maintenance operations and other data

 

Print Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Print Technician to join our team.

The Print Technician’s responsibilities include operating and maintaining print machinery, performing regular quality checks, ensuring the final product meets company standards, and troubleshooting machine-related issues.

Candidates should possess a strong understanding of printing procedures, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain print machinery in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform regular quality checks to ensure final product meets company standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machine-related issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure workflow efficiency while maintaining job quality and meeting deadlines.
• Monitor print process to maintain print schedule.
• Perform regular machine maintenance.
• Ensure adequate stock of raw materials in work area and give timely feedback to supply chain team.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Print Technician or similar role.
• Strong understanding of print procedures and machine operations.
• Excellent attention to detail and color recognition skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Technical training or certification in print technology is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Print Technician
• Work Environment: Print production facility. This role may require some heavy lifting and standing for extended periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Print Manager or Production Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Print Technician Do?

Print Technicians work in various industries including publishing, packaging, and advertising, among others.

They can also work for printing service companies or as self-employed individuals.

Their primary role involves operating and maintaining printing machinery, ensuring they produce high-quality prints that meet the required standards.

They set up the print machines with the necessary materials and adjust the settings to achieve the desired print output.

This includes mixing inks and controlling the machine speed to ensure the print job is completed accurately and efficiently.

Print Technicians are also responsible for carrying out regular maintenance checks on the printing machinery, rectifying any faults that occur and replacing worn-out parts to ensure the equipment runs smoothly.

They also often liaise with clients or internal teams to understand their print requirements and ensure the final product meets their specifications.

This may involve adjusting the layout, format, and colors used in the print job, as well as managing the print production schedule to meet deadlines.

Print Technicians may also be tasked with managing inventory, including ordering necessary materials like ink, paper, or other print supplies.

They may also have to document and report on print jobs, machine issues, and maintenance tasks.

 

Print Technician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient print technician should have the skills and qualifications that align with the specific job description, such as:

• Technical abilities to operate, maintain and troubleshoot printing equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of various printing processes and techniques such as offset lithography, digital printing, flexography, etc.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize them effectively to meet deadlines using excellent time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that the final output meets the design requirements and is free from errors.
• Good color perception to accurately reproduce colors in print as per the design specifications.
• Interpersonal skills to work well with designers, clients and other team members.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify issues that may affect the quality of print.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Physical fitness as the job may require standing for long periods and handling heavy equipment.

 

Print Technician Experience Requirements

Print Technicians typically gain their first experience through vocational training or a degree in Print Technology or a related field.

This can provide a strong technical foundation in printing technology, as well as a theoretical understanding of print processes and procedures.

Entry-level Print Technicians may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in a print shop or a related industry.

They may also gain useful experience through roles such as Digital Prepress Technician, Bindery Operator, or Quality Control Inspector in a print or publishing setting.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their practical skills and technical knowledge in entry-level Print Technician roles or similar positions.

They have a good understanding of print production processes, troubleshooting, and maintenance of printing equipment.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held supervisory or managerial roles within a print shop or print production department.

They are adept at overseeing the print production process, maintaining quality standards, and coordinating with other departments to ensure timely delivery of print projects.

They may be ready to step into a Print Production Manager role.

 

Print Technician Education and Training Requirements

Print Technicians generally require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum education requirement.

Additional training in graphic design, computer science, or a related field can be beneficial.

Most of the training for Print Technicians is on the job, where they learn about the different types of printing processes, color management, print finishing, and binding.

Some community colleges and technical schools offer associate’s degree programs in graphic communications or print production.

These programs often include courses in digital and offset printing, color theory, graphics design, and bindery and finishing techniques.

In addition to formal education, Print Technicians should have a strong knowledge of computer software used in the field, like Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Certification is not typically required for Print Technicians.

However, some may choose to pursue certification in various print technologies or software to demonstrate their expertise and dedication to the field.

Continuing education is critical in this field due to the advancements in printing technology.

This could be accomplished through workshops, webinars, or additional coursework.

 

Print Technician Salary Expectations

A Print Technician earns an average salary of $36,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can differ based on factors such as the level of experience, specialized skills, industry, and the geographical location.

 

Print Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Print Technician need?

Print Technicians should have strong technical abilities to operate and maintain printing equipment efficiently.

They should also have keen attention to detail to ensure the quality of print jobs.

A good understanding of color theory and composition is necessary for this role.

Additionally, communication skills are important for discussing project specifications with clients and team members.

 

Do Print Technicians need a degree?

While a degree is not always required for Print Technicians, many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge and skills in graphic design, computer-aided design (CAD), or a similar field can be beneficial.

On-the-job training is typically provided to help Print Technicians familiarize themselves with specific printing machinery.

 

What should you look for in a Print Technician resume?

A good Print Technician resume should highlight previous experience with printing machinery, as well as any relevant certifications.

Additionally, look for soft skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills.

Knowledge of design software such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Print Technician?

A good Print Technician is meticulous, as the quality of a print job can be significantly affected by minor errors.

They should have the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems that may arise during the printing process.

A good Print Technician is also communicative, able to accurately convey information to team members and clients.

Lastly, they should be comfortable working under deadlines and able to manage their time effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a Print Technician?

Print Technicians typically start their day by checking the schedule of print jobs.

They then set up and calibrate the printing machines according to the requirements of each job.

Throughout the day, Print Technicians monitor the machines during operation, checking the quality of the prints and making necessary adjustments.

They also perform routine maintenance on the machines, such as cleaning and replacing parts, to ensure optimal operation.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve shone a spotlight on what it truly means to be a print technician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about operating machines.

It’s about shaping visual communication, one print at a time.

With our handy print technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to advance.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously detailed job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every print is a piece of the larger image.

Let’s create that image. Together.