Production Artist

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Production Artist is responsible for preparing customer’s artwork in appropriate software to ensure best possible print quality. This position maintains productive system that allows us to keep pace with customer demand of custom imprinted products from our catalogue of handheld retractable gear tethers, key and badge holders. 70% print/graphic production and 30% design.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
West Coast Corporation ("WCC") is an employee-owned manufacturing company in Ontario, CA founded in 1948 and known world-wide as the inventor of products that have become “American Classics” according to the New York Times. We serve diverse markets with quality products under the brands KEY-BAK, KEY-BAK Promotional Products, Boomerang, and TIE-FAST. Our products are found in diverse markets globally including hardware, hotel, restaurant, health care, casino and gaming, manufacturing, security and law enforcement, and outdoor activities.

Our Core Purpose is to employ American ingenuity to help working people lead more productive lives. Every day we LIVE our Core Values, which are: WOW our Customers * Keep our Promises * Support the Team * Be Proactive * Deliver Results * Be Positive. Our Core Values guide the way we do business with our vendors, channel partners, customers, and employee-owner teammates as we work together to produce, market, and sell quality products and deliver award winning service.

CORE DUTIES

• Workflow management, pre-production file prep and proof creation, large format inkjet printer operation, UV printer operation, laminating, trimming, mounting, etc.
• Generate print-ready artwork files and proofs; transfer customer-provided art to appropriate software to ensure best possible print quality and timely production
• Utilize appropriate software to edit, retouch, and/or reformat images and logos to maximize print and digital format quality
• Review graphics, layouts, and fonts before production is complete to ensure customer requirements and WCC quality expectations are met
• Maintain productive system that allows us to keep pace with customer demand
• Utilize knowledge of color theory and color matching to adjust image and/or printer settings
• Suggest and apply image improvements, like creating gradients and layers
• Work with Customer Service and Production departments to provide exceptional customer service
• Liaise with product managers to define design requirements
• Maintain equipment by troubleshooting printing issues, aligning trays, and performing light maintenance on daily, weekly, monthly schedules. (ex: head cleaning/changing)
• Request consumables (ink, paper, etc.) on a regular basis to ensure continued and timely production
• Meet deadlines to ensure timely production
• Archive produced images and graphics

• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Detail oriented with ability to trouble-shoot and problem solve
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• High degree of enthusiasm, a can-do attitude, and strong commitment to delivering results.
• Must have excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment with frequently changing dynamics.
• Reliable and Punctual
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team in a growing environment
• Ability to communicate, interpret, and provide instructions orally and in writing
• Positive Attitude

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a two or four-year college level program in graphic arts, design, or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ training or equivalent experience in design and printing
• Be proficient with computer design and office automation tools such as Adobe CS application (Photoshop. Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Roland Versaworks), Corel Draw and Microsoft office applications
• Strong knowledge of Pantone
• Strong math and reasoning skills
• Experience with large format Inkjet and UV printers
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to multiple changes in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organization and time management sills
• Strong communication skills
• Detail orientated with ability to trouble-shoot and problem solve

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must have visual acuity. Must be able to stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time and have ability to climb ladders or stairs occasionally.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
West Coast Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize the value of diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by state or federal law. We offer a competitive benefits package to include employee stock ownership (ESOP); 401(k), medical, dental, and vision plans; and three weeks of paid vacation. Selected candidates will be required to submit to pre-employment background and reference check as well as alcohol and drug testing.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Warehouse: 2 years (Required)
• manufacturing environment: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: One location