A professional who makes ready and operates multiunit, web-fed rotary press to print newspapers, books, and periodicals according to written specifications. Responsibilities include:

• Locks printing plates on printing cylinder and threads loose end of paper supply roll (web) through and around rollers to cutter and folder.
• Adjusts compensators to guide paper over rollers and cylinders.
• Inspects printed sheets visually after registration or position printing and readjusts guides and controls to rectify spacing errors.
• Adjusts feed controls to rotate cylinder into position where plate locking mechanism is accessible.
• Unlocks plates and replaces with make-over plates according to directions marked on plate regarding location and time of printing.
• Rethreads paper through press if web breaks (press stops automatically if web breaks) and readjusts tension rollers.
• Operates pasting device to splice end of new paper roll to depleted roll.
• Inspects printed material visually during production and readjusts controls to correct irregular ink distribution, faulty cuts or folds.
• Replaces cutting blades, worn or damaged ink rolls, and fills ink wells.
• Cleans, inspects, and lubricates moving parts of press.
• May supervise and instruct apprentices.
• May load supply rolls of paper in press at beginning and during run.
• May be designated tension regulator when installing paper rolls in press and adjusting controls to regulate tension of paper; or color-control operator when adjusting ink controls to secure specified color registration.
• May operate press from central control console.