About This Career

Performs any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sells postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fills out and sells money orders; places mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examines mail for correct postage.

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster Administrative Services pathway.

A person in this career:

• Weighs letters and parcels, computes mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affixes correct postage.
• Checks mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
• Sorts incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
• Obtains signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
• Answers questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.
• Transports mail from one work station to another.
• Sells and collects payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
• Keeps money drawers in order, and records and balances daily transactions.
• Registers, certifies, and insures letters and parcels.
• Completes forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
• Using abdominal and lower back muscles repeatedly or over time without tiring

Work Hours and Travel

• Rotating shift work
• Weekend work