Compositor
Class Specifications – G.15
Compositor Supervisor 8801
Senior Compositor – 8802
Compositor – 8803
July 1979
Series Concept
Compositors assemble and set type matter for printing by hand or by means of hot metal typesetting or composing machines; make up and tear down forms, including hand-set and machine-set type, mounted plates, and spacing material; examine, correct, and approve proofs; assemble letters into lines and cast strips of type from type metal; set new lines of type to correct errors; operate linotype keyboard and other machines involved in hot metal composition; keep time and production reports; and perform other related duties as required.
The Compositor series consists of three levels. Compositor is the operational level in which incumbents perform the full range of composition duties. Senior Compositor is the working supervisory level. Compositor Supervisor is assigned responsibility for the entire operation of the composition room.
Class Concepts
Compositor Supervisor
Under direction, incumbents supervise the hot metal composing operation; plan schedules and priorities in accordance with set-ups and workload of individual machines; and assign work and approve final proofs.
Incumbents at this level typically mark up text copy with instructions about the style and size of type; approve proofs and press sheets; review editor’s specifications; approve copy; and inspect position of printed matter on press sheets prior to final imposition.
Senior Compositor
Under general supervision, incumbents serve as working leaders in the absence of higher-level supervision in the performance of the full range of composing room functions and assist the Compositor Supervisor in the coordination of composing room operations.
Incumbents at this level typically perform the full range of compositions duties, maintain a uniform workload between machine operations and composition, and may coordinate the assignments of Compositors.
Compositor
Under supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties as outlined in the series concept and maintain and repair typesetting machines.
As a machine operator, incumbents operate type-casting or linotype composing machines to cast lines of type and deposit assembled letters into a galley; read copy and depress keys of keyboard; transfer lines of type, with copy, to composing table for making proof copy; and maintain pigs of metal on feed chain of melting pot to replenish supply.
As a hot metal machine typesetter, incumbents assemble and set type matter for printing books, articles, headings, diplomas, business forms, posters, and other documents.
As a hand compositor, incumbents determine composition format and style from work order; make up forms, insert spacers between type to balance and justify lines; adjust, set up and prepare proof copy using proof press; proofread, check and note errors; set new lines of type to correct errors; and lockup and forward final copy for prepress or customer use.
Minimum Qualifications
Principal Compositor
Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma, ability to read and spell English, and five years of experience in one or more of the compositor skills; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and skills, knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Senior Compositor
Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma, ability to read and spell English, and three years of experience in one or more of the compositor skills; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and skills, knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Compositor
Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma, ability to read and spell English, and two years of experience in one or more of the compositor skills; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and skills, knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.