Junior Graphic Designer/ Print Production Operator

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer/Print Production Operator

Company: FASTSIGNS #530201

Location: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Print Production & Design Support

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: Junior to Mid-Level (1-3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid position, bridging the critical gap between creative design execution and the physical production of signage and visual graphics.

• It requires a blend of graphic design proficiency, hands-on print operation skills, and meticulous attention to pre-production workflow management.

• The Junior Graphic Designer/Print Production Operator will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless transition of digital designs into high-quality, tangible products for clients.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to learn the specialized field of sign manufacturing and grow within a supportive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Junior Graphic Designer/Print Production Operator" clearly indicates a dual responsibility. The description emphasizes "preparing digital design files, setting up wide-format printers and plotters, and managing the pre-production workflow," which aligns with operations support functions in a manufacturing context. The mention of training the right candidates suggests an entry-level to early-career focus within the operations and production side of the business.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• File Preparation & Prepress: Diligently review design proofs for accuracy, identify and correct errors, and meticulously set up files for various large-format digital printing, vinyl cutting, and routing applications.

• Print Setup & Operation: Safely and efficiently operate and maintain a range of wide-format printers (e.g., UV, latex) and plotters, ensuring optimal performance and output quality.

• Material Management: Accurately select, load, and manage diverse media substrates, including vinyl, acrylic, aluminum, and PVC, for printing and fabrication processes.

• Quality Control (QC): Conduct thorough inspections of printed output, verifying color accuracy, resolution integrity, and identifying any imperfections prior to proceeding with fabrication.

• Production Workflow Coordination: Organize and prioritize daily production tasks to meet demanding project deadlines and ensure efficient turnaround times for custom signage.

• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine preventative maintenance on printing and plotting equipment to minimize downtime and ensure consistent operational readiness.

• Inventory Management Support: Assist in tracking material inventory levels and reporting needs for replenishment to maintain uninterrupted production flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to reflect a production operations workflow. They move from digital file handling (pre-production) to physical execution (printing, material prep) and then to quality assurance and maintenance, all crucial aspects of a manufacturing operations role. The inclusion of "Production Scheduling" and "Equipment Maintenance" directly points to operational oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• 1–3+ years of demonstrable experience in a digital print shop, sign manufacturing environment, or a closely related production setting.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop, for file manipulation and preparation.

• RIP Software Expertise: Familiarity and practical experience with Raster Image Processor (RIP) software such as Onyx, Caldera, or VersaWorks for print output management.

• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of large-format digital printing processes, vinyl cutting, and routing techniques relevant to signage.

• Color Management Acumen: Basic knowledge of color theory, color profiles, and ensuring color consistency across different media and output devices.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision in setting up layouts, ensuring correct cuts, bleeds, and overall file integrity for production.

• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift materials weighing up to 50 lbs, essential for handling large print media and finished products.

• Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written English communication abilities, including active listening and clear articulation.

• Time Management & Multitasking: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines.

• Problem-Solving Aptitude: Analytical thinking skills with a strong capacity for troubleshooting and resolving production-related issues.

• Initiative & Work Ethic: A proactive approach, strong work ethic, and demonstrated ability to execute tasks independently and drive completion.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UV printers, latex printers, or other specialized wide-format printing technologies.

• Familiarity with various sign-making materials beyond basic vinyl and PVC (e.g., specialty films, rigid substrates).

• Basic understanding of equipment maintenance procedures for printers and plotters.

• Experience with project management or production scheduling software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of creative software skills and practical production/manufacturing competencies. The emphasis on RIP software, large-format printing, and physical ability strongly indicates a role deeply embedded in the operational execution of design. The "1-3+ years" experience aligns with a junior to mid-level role within operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design File Preparation Examples: Showcase examples of how you have prepared digital files for large-format printing, including demonstrated understanding of bleeds, crop marks, and color profiles.

• RIP Software Workflow Demonstration: Include case studies or examples that illustrate your process for setting up jobs in RIP software, specifying print settings, color management, and cut paths.

• Material Handling & Application Insights: Provide examples or descriptions of projects where you selected appropriate materials for specific applications (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor, rigid vs. flexible) and how this impacted the final product.

• Quality Control Documentation: Present a sample of how you would document quality checks for print output, highlighting specific parameters you would assess (e.g., color matching, registration, print defects).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of how to document and potentially improve the workflow from design submission to final print output, identifying bottlenecks and proposing solutions.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you have implemented new processes or utilized system features (like RIP software settings) to improve efficiency or accuracy in a production environment.

• Measurement & Analysis: Illustrate how you would track key production metrics relevant to print operations, such as throughput, material waste, or error rates, and how this data informs continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that bridges design and production, a portfolio demonstrating not just design aesthetics but also technical execution and process understanding is crucial. This section outlines what a candidate should prepare to showcase their operational readiness and ability to manage the technical aspects of print production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $48,000 - $54,000 per year. This range is competitive for a Junior Graphic Designer/Print Production Operator role in the Surrey, BC area, considering the specialized nature of the work and the required technical skills.

Benefits:

• Extended Medical Benefit: Comprehensive coverage for health-related expenses.

• Dental Benefit: Coverage for dental care services.

• Monthly Revenue-Based Bonus Program: Opportunity to earn additional income tied to the center's monthly revenue performance, incentivizing contributions to overall business success.

• Quarterly Performance-Based Bonus Program: Additional earning potential based on individual or team performance against set operational and production targets.

• Secure Long-Term Employment: Commitment to providing stable employment opportunities within the company.

• Opportunity for Growth and Career Development: Potential for advancement within FASTSIGNS SURREY.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. While a standard schedule is expected, flexibility may be required during peak production periods to meet client deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided and falls within typical ranges for junior roles in specialized production environments in British Columbia. The benefits package is detailed, with a strong emphasis on performance and revenue-based bonuses, which are common in sales-driven operational environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Visual Communications and Signage Manufacturing. FASTSIGNS is a well-established franchise known for providing a wide range of visual marketing and communication solutions, including custom signs, banners, vehicle wraps, and digital displays.

Company Size: FASTSIGNS #530201 is a single-location franchise, suggesting a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible. This typically fosters a collaborative and hands-on culture.

Founded: FASTSIGNS was founded in 1985, indicating a company with a long history of industry experience and established operational practices. FASTSIGNS SURREY operates under this established brand.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of individuals with diverse skill sets, including sales, design, production, and customer service.

• This role reports to the Design and Production teams, suggesting a direct reporting line to a Production Manager or Lead Designer who oversees workflow and quality.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Production: Emphasis on using design software and RIP tools to accurately translate client specifications into production-ready files, minimizing errors and ensuring brand consistency.

• Workflow Optimization: A focus on streamlining the process from initial order to final product delivery, identifying efficiencies in file preparation, printing, and finishing.

• Quality-Focused Fabrication: A commitment to high-quality output, with rigorous checks at each stage of the production process to meet client expectations and brand standards.

Company Website: https://www.fastsigns.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided about FASTSIGNS as a franchise helps define the operational environment. It suggests a structured but potentially fast-paced, customer-focused setting where efficiency and quality in production are paramount. The team structure implies a need for strong communication and collaboration skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior to Mid-Level Operations role. It's an entry point into the specialized field of sign manufacturing and visual communications production. The role is designed to build foundational skills in print operations, design file management, and equipment handling.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer/Print Production Operator will likely report to a Production Manager, Operations Manager, or a Senior Designer who oversees the production workflow. This structure allows for direct guidance, training, and performance feedback.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's ability to deliver quality products on time and within budget. Efficient file preparation and reliable print operation are critical for customer satisfaction, repeat business, and the company's overall revenue generation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunity to become an expert in advanced wide-format printing technologies, RIP software functionalities, and material science specific to signage.

• Advanced Production Roles: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Print Operator, Production Lead, or even explore specialized areas like large-scale project management or quality assurance management within the operations department.

• Design Specialization: With proven performance, there might be a path to focus more heavily on the graphic design aspects, taking on more complex design challenges or client-facing design consultations.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in other production areas like finishing, installation coordination, or even sales support, offering a broader understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on career progression within a specialized production environment. It highlights how a junior role can lead to deeper technical expertise, leadership opportunities, or broader business exposure within the signage industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a production-focused environment, likely involving a combination of office space for design work and a manufacturing/production floor for printing and fabrication.

Office Location(s): Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The specific location will be within a commercial or industrial area typical for sign shops, with accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Production Floor: The workspace will necessitate close collaboration with other production staff, requiring clear communication and teamwork to manage shared equipment and workflows.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), RIP software, wide-format printers, plotters, and potentially finishing equipment (laminators, cutters).

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with design colleagues, production team members, and potentially sales staff to clarify project details, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate timelines.

• Physical Demands: The environment requires standing for long periods, working with large-format materials, and potentially operating machinery, demanding a level of physical capability and safety awareness.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the fast-paced nature of the sign industry often requires flexibility to meet client deadlines, potentially involving occasional overtime or adjusted shifts during busy periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the practical aspects of the work environment, emphasizing the hands-on nature and the blend of office and production floor activities. It also highlights the importance of physical capability and adaptability in a production setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with core responsibilities.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A practical test or in-depth review of the candidate's portfolio will likely be conducted. This will focus on demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, RIP software usage, file preparation for large format printing, and understanding of production workflows.

• Behavioral & Situational Interview: Questions will assess problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, teamwork, communication, and initiative. Expect questions related to handling production errors, managing tight deadlines, and collaborating with team members.

• Meet the Team/Manager Interview: An opportunity to discuss the role in more detail, evaluate cultural fit, and for the candidate to ask questions about the team and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Output: For each project, explain your role, the challenges faced, the software/tools used, and how you overcame technical hurdles in file preparation or print setup.

• Highlight Large Format Specifics: Clearly indicate projects that involved large-format printing, vinyl cutting, or routing. Demonstrate your understanding of scale, resolution, and material considerations.

• Demonstrate RIP Software Proficiency: Include examples of how you've set up jobs in RIP software, explaining your choices for print settings, color profiles, and imposition if applicable.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention how your work contributed to efficiency, reduced errors, or met specific client needs. For example, "Streamlined file prep process, reducing pre-press time by X%."

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about color management, file formats, resolution requirements, and common issues in large-format printing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design File Setup Exercise: Be ready for a practical exercise where you are given a design and asked to prepare it for a specific output (e.g., vinyl cut, direct print on rigid substrate), demonstrating your understanding of software settings, bleeds, and cut paths.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would address common production issues, such as color discrepancies, printer malfunctions, or material compatibility problems.

• Workflow Explanation: Be prepared to articulate your understanding of a typical print production workflow and suggest potential areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their skills and prepare for the specific types of assessments common in production and operations roles. The emphasis on a portfolio review and practical challenges is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design and file preparation. Proficiency in Illustrator (vector graphics, layout) and Photoshop (raster images, color correction) is paramount.

• RIP Software: Critical for managing print output. Experience with Onyx, Caldera, or VersaWorks is highly valued for controlling print settings, color profiles, and job queues.

• Wide-Format Printers: Familiarity with operating and maintaining various types of large-format printers, such as UV printers (e.g., Roland, Mimaki, HP) or latex printers (e.g., HP Latex).

• Plotters & Cutters: Experience operating vinyl cutters and potentially CNC routers for precise material cutting and shaping.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Basic understanding of how customer orders are managed within a CRM system (FASTSIGNS likely uses one) to ensure accurate order intake and job tracking.

• Job Management/ERP Systems: Familiarity with systems used for managing production orders, scheduling, and inventory, which may be integrated with the CRM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the core technical tools essential for the role, directly mapping to the responsibilities and required skills. It highlights the specific software and hardware that candidates should be familiar with.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality First: A commitment to delivering high-quality signage that meets or exceeds client expectations and brand standards. This value drives meticulous attention to detail in design and production.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A focus on optimizing workflows, minimizing waste, and maximizing output to ensure timely project completion and profitability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working together effectively across departments (sales, design, production) to achieve common goals and provide exceptional customer service.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and fulfilling client needs through expert advice, creative solutions, and reliable production.

• Continuous Improvement: An openness to learning new technologies, refining processes, and adapting to industry changes to maintain a competitive edge.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless communication and collaboration with sales to clarify order details and with other production team members to coordinate tasks and share resources.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback is given and received regarding design files, print quality, and workflow processes to foster learning and improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of team members to share best practices, troubleshooting tips, and insights into new materials or techniques to benefit the entire production team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the likely cultural values and collaboration styles based on the nature of a franchise business in the visual communications industry. It emphasizes teamwork, quality, and customer orientation, which are typical drivers in such environments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative and Technical Demands: Effectively switching between the creative mindset of design preparation and the precise, technical execution required for print production.

• Managing Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of the signage industry often means juggling multiple projects with demanding turnaround times, requiring excellent prioritization and time management.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving issues with printers, plotters, or software can be challenging and requires a methodical approach.

• Color Accuracy Across Media: Achieving consistent and accurate color reproduction across different types of media and printing technologies can be a continuous challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Print Technology Training: Opportunities to learn about and operate new or specialized wide-format printing equipment, including UV and dye-sublimation technologies.

• Software Mastery: Deepening expertise in RIP software, exploring advanced features for workflow automation, color management, and nesting optimization.

• Material Science Education: Gaining in-depth knowledge of various substrates, adhesives, and finishing techniques used in the signage industry.

• Operations Process Improvement: Participating in initiatives to refine production workflows, reduce waste, and implement new operational efficiencies.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications related to graphic arts, print production, or specific software/equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential difficulties and frames them as opportunities for skill development and professional growth within the operations and production domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for preparing a complex design file for large-format printing. What are the critical checks you perform?" (Focus on file integrity, color profiles, bleeds, resolution, and software settings).

• "Walk me through a time you encountered an issue with a print job (e.g., color mismatch, printer error). How did you troubleshoot and resolve it?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking, problem-solving methodology, and technical knowledge).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple urgent orders with competing deadlines?" (Highlight time management, organizational skills, and ability to communicate potential delays).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at FASTSIGNS SURREY specifically, and in the signage industry?" (Demonstrate research into the company and genuine interest in the field).

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs or production work, especially if it's critical?" (Assess receptiveness to feedback and ability to learn).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing the end-to-end process from file prep to final output.

• Explain the 'Why' and 'How': For each example, articulate your specific role, the technical challenges you overcame (e.g., file optimization, material selection), and the outcome.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to verbally walk through your file setup process, explaining software choices and settings. If possible, have live examples or screenshots of your RIP software setups.

• Highlight Operations Impact: Connect your work to tangible results, such as improved efficiency, reduced errors, or successful client project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section tailors interview preparation to the specific demands of a production-oriented operations role, emphasizing technical skills, problem-solving, and the ability to manage workflow and quality.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer/Print Production Operator position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the FASTSIGNS #530201 career page.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, RIP software, and any previous print production or manufacturing roles. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased print throughput by X% through optimized file setup").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples that showcase your graphic design skills, specifically for print, and crucially, demonstrate your understanding of file preparation for large-format output, RIP software usage, and any material handling experience. Include a brief explanation for each piece detailing your process.

• Practice Technical Explanations: Be ready to clearly articulate your understanding of color management, file formats (e.g., AI, EPS, PDF for print), resolution requirements, and the steps involved in setting up a job for wide-format printing and cutting.

• Research FASTSIGNS: Familiarize yourself with FASTSIGNS' product offerings, their approach to visual communications, and any recent projects or news that can be referenced to show genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.