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.