Press Operator

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses.

We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, Locali

Q, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. is listed on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should complete an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. To connect with us, visit

Press Operator

Gannett Publishing Services - USA TODAY CO.

Des Moines, IA

The Press Operator I is assigned to perform printing related tasks to support efficient press operations as needed to achieve and maintain on-time production, product quality standards, low waste, and operational safety.

• Reel operations: request, deliver and stage newsprint rolls, set reels, prepare approved paste patterns for all roll sizes, use web kites/devices as applicable, monitor automatic pasters and/or make hand pasters assist with reel room reports as required.
• Unit make-ready: prepare press configurations, check and prepare units for operation, spot plates, ink make-ready, web-up, conveyor set-up and folder set-up.
• Basic press control proficiency to reduce waste and achieve quality standards which may include: press inch, start and stop, speed adjustments, CMYK ink and water balance, CMYK ink density, registration and compensation, web tension/nip and trolley settings, slitter adjustments, assisting with lost web recovery & press restarts.
• Densitometer calibration & operation.
• Perform general press maintenance including cleaning and replacing blankets, wiping down press units, installing, checking & adjusting rollers, folder clean out, replacing cutting bars, and other press maintenance as specified.

• Ensure timely and accurate execution of platemaking functions.
• CTP operations: request, deliver, and stage plates.
• Product make-ready: prepare digital page queues, check, prepare & operate equipment to image, bend & sort plates.
• May assist with plate reports.

• Always work in a safe manner and consistently utilize required safety equipment to promote top-of-mind safety awareness.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Complete required annual OSHA safety training programs.
• Ensure all machine safety-guards are installed, functioning properly, and in use.
• Immediately report any potential safety hazards, operational concerns and all accidents/injuries and near misses to press management and supervisors.

• Provide timely and accurate reports and information to the operations team and management.
• Immediately report equipment issues to management.
• Other duties as assigned.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co.

employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual's application for employment. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at  Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.

Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.