State of Maryland

A Phototypesetter Operator II is the lead level of work in the operation of computerized phototypesetting equipment producing camera-ready copy in a print shop or publications design unit. Employees in this classification set type for copy contained in a variety of printed material such as magazines, newspapers, brochures, catalogues, posters, etc. that are frequently used in connection with public relations and may have a large distribution to the general public.  Employees in this classification must be able to produce professional level print copy.  Employees in this classification are responsible for the work of a unit, for maintenance of records and files and for scheduling work assignments.  Employees in this classification may prepare specifications, perform layout work for routine and/or repetitive jobs and are required to perform routine maintenance of equipment and supplies.  Employees in this classification assign, review and approve the work of and train lower-level Phototypesetter Operators, clerical personnel, and students assigned to the unit and may provide technical guidance to employees in other departments who operate remote terminals.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a higher level administrator or print shop supervisor.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

The Phototypesetter Operator II is differentiated from the Phototypesetter Operator I in that the Phototypesetter Operator II assigns, reviews and approves the work of and trains lower-level Phototypesetter Operators while the Phototypesetter Operator I performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Controls electronic computer system used in phototypesetting by setting control switches on computer to clear system and by entering command code in order to start operation of equipment;

Monitors and maintains computerized phototypesetting equipment by following directions and messages flashed on control panel, making minor adjustments using hand tools, cleaning the equipment, and loading the equipment with paper and chemical solutions as required, in order to keep the equipment in proper operating condition;

Reads submitted manuscripts and printing specifications for publications such as magazine and newspaper articles, brochures, posters, catalogues, etc. in order to determine style and size of type, correct spacing and column length, and other related design and parameter factors;

Sets the type according to specifications by entering the correct computer codes and typing the copy on the keyboard, proofreading copy on a video display, making corrections and justifying copy, entering copy into computer memory and on photographic paper and developing copy in processor, in order to produce copy for paste-up;

Prepares job specifications for routine and repeat jobs;

Proofreads copy for adherence to specifications and correctness of spelling, grammar and punctuation in order to make necessary corrections;

Pastes up routine copy and/or corrections using illuminated table and drafting equipment in order to produce camera-ready copy;

Orders and stores necessary supplies such as photographic paper, chemical fixer and developing solution, etc.;

Gauges amount of supplies needed and reorders as necessary in order to have sufficient amount of supplies on hand;

Maintains a log of work produced by recording specifications, hours worked, materials used, and number of times corrections were made in order that the cost of the jobs can be determined and that Stores type fonts and floppy disk files in order to preserve them in proper condition;

Schedules the work of the unit by determining priorities, difficulty and length of job in order to meet deadlines;

Trains other personnel, such as clerical employees, students, and/or inmates who set type, by instructing them in the use of the equipment, assigning tasks and correcting work;

Gives technical guidance in phototypesetting to personnel in other departments operating remote terminals;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of printing terminology, typefaces, spacing, spelling, punctuation and grammar and of graphic design and composition;

Ability to maintain and operate computerized phototypesetting equipment;

Ability to visualize the resultant finished copy by looking at the rough manuscript to estimate length and pagination of finished product to plan and organize the work of a unit;

Ability to direct and train others in the use of phototypesetting equipment;

Ability to keep accurate records;

Ability to meet production deadlines.

Education:   None.

Experience: Two years of experience in the operation of phototypesetting equipment, one year must have been in the operation of computerized phototypesetting equipment.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Lithographer classifications or Lithographer specialty codes in the phototypesetting field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.    

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit A- Labor and Trades classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial, and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.