Bindery Worker #2412

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The BINDERY WORKER performs a variety of hand and machine operations to cut, trim, sort, assemble, fold, and bind printed materials in a printing plant. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second level of a two‑level series and is distinguished from the lower level by the set up, operation, and maintenance of the most complex equipment and procedures and the provision of guidance and direction to lower level employees.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.       Work Planning and Setup.  Typical tasks:  examines work order and specifications to determine due dates and processes to be employed; consults with customer service representative or client to clarify orders; arranges work in processing and priority sequence; may route jobs requiring less complex hand or machine processing to bindery assistant; takes careful measurements, plans, and sets up appropriate processing equipment; provides advice to other production unit staff (composing, platemaking, press or customer service representative) regarding bindery equipment or processing requirements (borders, trims, folds, etc.) which affect their planning and set ups; advises clients regarding bindery requirements that affect layout and design planning.

2.       Equipment Operation and Maintenance.  Typical tasks:  sets up, operates, maintains, and repairs bindery equipment such as:  one to three knife hydraulic trimmers (including those computer controlled); simple or complex folding machines, some accommodating 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, or 32‑page signatures and requiring critical planning and measurements; perfect binders for single sheet, signature, or book production including glue selection, loading, temperature setting, and adjustment of pockets, grippers, and trimmers to job specifications; large collators, gatherers, saddle stitchers in separate or ganged processing including proper measurement and set up of parts and sections to paper size, weight and characteristics; drills, punches, perforators, staplers, padders (gluing operation), shrink wrappers, and strapping machines; may also learn to operate, maintain, and repair stock moving equipment such as manual or powered pallet jacks, forklifts, and delivery truck.

3.       Miscellaneous.  Typical tasks:  makes test runs of all processing machine set ups to be sure material is handled properly and meets order specifications; monitors production equipment operation, makes adjustments as required to maintain production and quality standards; provides advice and guidance to bindery assistants or trainees in equipment setup, operation, and adjustment and the performance of manual processing functions; performs preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs to all equipment according to schedule or need; replaces worn blades, gears, bearings, springs, and motors on equipment as needed; maintains accurate production, maintenance and time records; provides training, guidance, and work approval for bindery assistants and trainees as required; provides cross coverage on all machines and processes in bindery as needed; observes, practices, and promotes unit housekeeping and safety standards at all times; performs machine and hand operations to produce edition binding, library binding, and other hand binding including making and applying hinged covers; maintains current of knowledge in field by reading trade publications and attending training when provided; may learn routes and schedules to provide backup coverage for truck driver/delivery person when necessary.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this classification have frequent in‑person or telephone contact with staff of other production units to coordinate production processes on particular jobs.  There is occasional contact with clients to clarify job specifications, to provide advice on bindery requirements or resolve problems which may affect planning and layout of printed materials.  There may be incidental contact with client employees when providing backup coverage for truck driver/delivery person.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive work assignments and general supervision from a shift leadworker.  The employee normally works with considerable independence in the performance of day‑to‑day operations.  Work is reviewed as completed for timeliness and conformance to job specifications and unit production and quality standards.  Guidance is provided through consultation with leadworker and through written job specifications, plant or unit operations and procedures handbooks, and equipment operation and maintenance manuals.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are primarily found in the production environment of a printing plant.  They require the willingness to work in the environment associated with the position's location including dust, noise, and vigorous activity.