06/27/1996 96390

CHIEF OF GRAPHIC ARTS, LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative and managerial work in directing the preparation of a wide variety of graphic arts materials in support of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

The employee in this class is responsible for directing, through subordinate supervisors, a large full-service graphic arts center involving the production of printed materials utilizing photolithography, bindery services, art design and composition, skilled offset press work, forms design, multi-impression color duplication, metal type composition, and automated graphics packages. Work includes conferring with agency personnel regarding user requests; determining the most effective and efficient production method; establishing project specifications; developing and coordinating production schedules; requisitioning materials and supplies; and maintaining cost records and controls. Work is performed under general supervision with the employee exercising a considerable degree of independence in fulfilling the technical and administrative obligations of the position. Work is reviewed through periodic conferences, reports, and evaluation of results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs, through subordinate supervisors, the operation of a full-service graphic arts center engaged in printing, duplication, bindery operations, art design services, metal type composition, photography, platemaking, and the production of visual aids.

Plans production methods and coordinates work schedules; determines and establishes project priorities and deadlines; assigns and oversees the work of subordinate personnel; and reviews finished products for results obtained and adherence to established policies, standards, and methods.

Confers with program personnel regarding letter-press and offset duplication printing requests; determines the need for, and coordinates the services of, printing contractors; determines the most effective and economical means of printing and presentation; and advises agency personnel on options for improvements to the layout of forms, pamphlets, booklets, posters, and other visual communications materials.

Estimates, prices, and prepares specifications for specialty item printing projects, bids, and contracts; maintains contact with printing contractors to ensure completion of projects within acceptable time frames; receives and reviews printed materials for quality and adherence to specifications; and oversees the distribution and delivery of completed projects.

Determines color and composition, approves overall design, tracks production costs, and coordinates the production of printed materials for such organizations as SADD, MADD, PRIDE, and Youth-to-Youth groups.

Oversees the preparation, editing, and publication of agency training, legal, and procedure manuals; plans and coordinates all phases of vinyl signage production for the agency's various alcohol education displays and program initiatives; and insures the proper decollating, distribution, and function of multiple part continuous forms, sales books, receipt forms, and purchase order books.

Reviews agency requirements and assists in establishing the conditions of maintenance agreements for photo-composing units, printing and binding equipment, and metal type composition units. Maintains records on shop operations, production, and costs and prepares periodic reports outlining findings and providing recommendations for improvements to agency graphics services, methods, and standards.

Insures available graphics center equipment inventory meets the agency's in-house printing, design, and production needs; plans for the timely replacement of equipment based on completed inventory reviews, projected needs, and new industry equipment offerings and adjusts program budget funds as necessary; maintains inventory records of materials and supplies; and prepares requisitions for equipment, supplies, and materials as necessary.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the duplication of printed matter, and the principles and techniques of illustration and design.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of art and copy preparation for offset reproduction.

Knowledge of the techniques and applications of Desktop Publishing computers, scanners, laser printers, image setter, and software for color and black and white reproduction.

Knowledge of the relative cost for producing a wide variety of printed materials.

Knowledge of the papers, inks, fluids, and chemicals used in camera work and offset printing.

Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, application, and uses of cameras, bindery, composing, lithographic, platemakers, and other printing equipment used to duplicate and produce a wide variety of printed materials.

Ability to plan and organize the reproduction of large quantities of printed materials.

Ability to design effective forms, pamphlets, posters, flyers, reports, booklets, signs, and other visual communications materials.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Ability to effectively plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of a large staff providing a variety of art design and duplicating services.

Ability to read and interpret departmental regulations and bargaining unit contracts applicable to the organizational unit.

Ability to apply the principles and practices of safety applicable to the work performed, and equipment utilized, by the organizational unit.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, superiors, peers, agency and other Commonwealth officials, vendors, and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of experience in the operation of duplicating machines, including two years of skilled operation of a lithographic press or mat process camera and two years of supervisory experience; and graduation from high school;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.