Manipulates, sets and composes text and graphics into a format suitable for printing and other visual media.

Operates graphic cameras and other photographic equipment to reproduce camera-ready copy onto films, plates and digital output devices; uses computer applications to generate images, text, layouts and impositions for print and other visual media displays; operates plate making equipment to reproduce images from film to printing plates, digital output devices and presses; operates computer screen-based equipment for scanning, colour separation, colour correction, masking, creative design, combining, imposing, retouching, and other processes used to transfer copy to film and produce film for plate, digital output and cylinder productions; carries out digital and chemical proofing from digital systems, and negative and positive films; evaluating printed proofs, checking and correcting them for quality; preparing and exposing carbon tissue for laying on cylinders by transfer method, and developing images.

• Works indoors in offices or may be self-employed and work at home.
• Usually works in adequately heated and ventilated office work spaces.

• Physical demand is light. Sitting is frequently required at a computer work station. Standing is occasionally required at tables and boards when proof-reading and making paste-ups of material produced and to operate printers, other minor office equipment and to refill paper trays and ink supplies.
• Stretching up and across, and squatting, crouching and bending, and twisting of the body or neck are not a significant features of this job. Lifting and carrying is unlikely to be required but if so, will be unlikely to exceed a light physical demand.
• Repetitive movements of the hand and fingers for keyboarding and mouse actions are frequently required for desktop publishers.
• Driving is not required.
• Use of computers, graphics software (e.g. Pagemaker), image scanners, printers, as well as office hand tools will be frequently required. Contact with water and chemical substances is not required.
• Mental skills necessary include concentration and accuracy as well as design, communication and keyboarding skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.