Publications Technician (SC - Substitute)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision from the Director of Public Information and Marketing, performs a variety of technical duties in the production of typeset publications and documents including booklets, brochures, flyers, forms, programs, note paper, business cards, teaching aids, instructional materials, newspapers and other similar items; operates and maintains a variety of equipment used in the production of publications; and performs a variety of technical duties relative to assigned area.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Perform a variety of duties related to the production of publications; consult with department representatives in-person to determine publication needs and/or receive instructions via phone, email, and fax; complete a job ticket for each publication; enter written copy into computer; determine proper layout, type styles, size and appearance of product to ensure compliance with requested output.
2. Produce a variety of publications including but not limited to certificates, forms, flyers, brochures, signs, folders, bookmarks, invitations, tickets, name tags, labels, notice cards, postcards, calendars, booklets, newsletters, posters, newspaper advertisements, programs, handbooks, study guides, manuals, and stationery.
3. Operate and maintain computers, scanners, and printers for a variety of layout, graphic and printing activities including desktop publishing, typography and word processing; create and format computer files for new publications; recommend new systems and software to improve production quality as necessary.
4. Create electronic files for viewing and printing by department representatives, for the College’s Webmaster to publish on the website, for the Copy Center’s server, and for outside vendors.
5. Proofread documents for spelling and grammatical errors; inspect documents for proper spacing, justification and hyphenation; make corrections as necessary.
6. Scan typed documents, photos, and graphics for insertion into publications using appropriate software.
7. Research, design, and create maps of the college campus and surrounding areas.
8. Maintain and clean computers and printers as needed; contact vendors for equipment repairs and maintenance; inform supervisor of needed repairs and maintenance.
9. Calculate pica widths and depths for proper copy fitting; adjust lettering to ensure proper kerning of words.
10. Serve as liaison with department representatives, students, staff, vendors, other departments, and the general public; respond to inquiries in person and over the phone; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
11. Ensure proper inventory of supplies including photographic paper, chemicals and cleaning supplies.
12. Maintain a variety of publication files and records; ensure proper storage and back-up of computer files; maintain cross-reference system between paper files and computer files.
13. Calculate the cost to be billed to each client after completion of publications using the department’s established price lists; complete invoices for submission to clients.
14. Operate a variety of office equipment including word processors, printers, copiers, calculators and typewriters; type and prepare documents; train students in journalistic terminology and newspaper standards.
15. Train District staff, students and faculty in the use and maintenance of computer and printing/copying equipment.
16. Assist other departments as necessary.
17. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Advanced publishing techniques, design, cartography, and tables.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as desktop publishing, scanning, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Principles of journalism relating to the production of a college newspaper.
A variety of different types, weights, sizes, and colors of paper.
Basic operations of the Internet.
Operation and care of computers, scanners, printers, copiers, calculators, and related equipment.
Principles and practices of mathematics used in calculating layouts and formats.
English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, hyphenation and proofreaders’ marks.

Ability to:
Design a variety of publications.
Operate office equipment including computers, scanners, printers, copiers, and supporting desktop publishing, scanning, word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Troubleshoot mechanical and operational machine problems.
Select type styles, sizes and formats according to document needs.
Calculate type to ensure proper format.
Research and interpret maps from the Internet and printed guides.
Maintain an electronic filing system.
Maintain files and records.
Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Pay attention to detail in order to proofread and review documents.
Follow verbal and written instructions with minimal supervision.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
Equivalent to two years of college-level course work in graphic design and production.

Experience:
One year of desktop publishing experience is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Duties are typically performed at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; work with production equipment and machinery; exposure to radiant energy, noise, and toxic chemicals. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to assure health and comfort.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Work Schedule: TBD – Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU), substitute assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 15th of the first month to the 14th of the second month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the third month.

Example: For the following reporting period: September 15th through October 14th, the NBU employee will be paid on November 10th.

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.