This post provides detailed information on the USPS mail handler job description, to boost your knowledge of the duties, tasks, and responsibilities they usually carry out.
It also presents the major requirements you will be expected to meet to be hired for the USPS mail handler role.
Please, continue reading:
What Does a USPS Mail Handler Do?
The USPS mail handler job description entails delivering mail from one place to another.
It also involves picking up mail from customers’ homes or businesses, including letters, bills, packages, and other items that need to be delivered.
The mail handler works at various locations throughout the country.
Mail handlers must sort the mail into different categories based on where they will go.
For example, if it needs to be sent to the post office, then it goes into the “postal box” category.
However, if it needs to be mailed back home, then it goes into “returned”.
Mail handlers at USPS deliver mail to people who are not home.
They have to leave a note with instructions on how to pick up the package.
In addition, mail handlers at USPS work with many different types of equipment.
They use hand trucks, dollies, carts, and pallets to move mail around.
Also, they use special tools such as sorters, scales, and postage meters to ensure that all the mail gets sorted correctly.
Mail handlers can make mistakes when sorting mail, so, they must learn how to identify errors quickly so that they don’t get too big.
They sometimes have to deal with angry customers. To avoid getting fired, mail handlers must always follow the rules set by the company.
Furthermore, the USPS mail handler ensures that there is enough space between each piece of mail.
They also make sure that no pieces of mail overlap.
It is their responsibility to carry out their duties using a variety of skills, including reading and writing, listening, and following directions.
More on USPS Mail Handler Job Description
The mail handler’s responsibilities include delivering mail to and from the post office and might also involve delivering mail to customers who live outside of the area.
It also entails making sure that the mail gets delivered safely, and checking the mail before sending it off.
USPS mail handlers work closely with the postal workers.
Together, they plan out routes and determine which areas should receive more attention.
Mail handlers attend training from the company every two years and ensure that the mail gets delivered on time.
They follow the schedule provided by the company.
It is also their duty to keep records of everything that happens during the day, and writes down important details like the number of pieces of mail delivered and any problems encountered.
USPS mail handlers take care of the mail after it arrives; they sort the mail according to its destination.
Then, they put the mail in boxes or bags.
Mail handlers at USPS prepare the mail for delivery; removing stamps and sealing the envelopes.
They also deliver the mail to the correct address and afterward return to the post office to check whether anything was missed.
USPS Mail Handler Job Description Sample/Example/Template
The USPS mail handler job description consists of the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:
- Collecting letters and parcels from customers
- Filling out delivery forms
- Preparing packages for mailing
- Maintaining records of incoming and outgoing mail
- Processing mail through sorting machines
- Stamping envelopes with postage
- Assisting customers with their correspondence
- Keeping track of customer complaints and requests
- Checking that mail has been delivered as promised
- Handling lost or damaged mail
- Other duties as required.
USPS mail handler Job Description for Resume
If you are currently working as a mail handler at USPS or have worked in that position before and are making a resume or CV for a new position, you can make an effective Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the USPS mail handler job description example above.
You can highlight the USPS mail handler duties from the sample job description above in your resume’s Professional Experience to prove that you have been successfully performing the duties and responsibilities of a mail handler.
This piece of information in your resume can significantly help to influence the recruiter/employer to give you an interview, especially if the new job requires someone with some work experience in mail handling.
USPS Mail Handler Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
If you are seeking to work at the United States Postal Service as a mail handler, here are major requirements you may be asked to fulfill to be hired:
- Ability to read, understand, write, and converse in English fluently
- Good communication skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Strong work ethic
- Positive attitude towards work
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Clean driving record
- Punctual
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license
- Access to reliable transportation
USPS mail handlers must be willing to:
- travel to different locations
- work overtime
- learn new things
USPS mail handlers must have previous experience:
- working as an assistant at a retail store
- handling money
- working in a service industry
- using computers
- working in a fast-paced environment
- operating machinery
- dealing with people
- selling products
- serving customers.
USPS Mail Handler Salary
The average US Postal Service mail handler compensation is $18 per hour ($36,000), according to Glassdoor.
Salary ranges from $14 to $36 per hour ($28,000 to $72,000) for mail handlers at the US Postal Service.
Conclusion
The United States Postal Service mail handler position is one of the most common jobs available. If you are looking for a career change, this could be the right opportunity for you.
This post has provided detailed information on the USPS mail handler job description, to help you learn all you need to know about what they do if you are interested in applying for the job.
USPS Mail Carrier Resources
Here are valuable resources you can access to improve your knowledge about the USPS mail carrier industry and develop your career:
Professional Organizations
American Postal Workers Union, APWU APWU helps its members achieve true collective bargaining rights, better working conditions and fair pay. | National Postal Mail Handlers Union, NPMHU NPMHU is recognized as the exclusive collective bargaining agent for USPS employed mail handlers. | National Association of Letter Carriers, NALC NALC is the sole representative of the USPS employed city delivery letter carriers. |
Useful Blogs
Postal Posts The Postal Posts is he Postal Service’s official blog that helps you to learn about the behind the scene activities in the organization and other things. | Postal Employee Network This blog provides postal news, postal crime, and breaking news for employees and retirees in the postal industry. | Save the Post Office This blog provides information about post office performance, suspensions, and consolidations. |
Helpful Books
Voted Best Mail Carrier This book is a great gift you can give to a postal worker you care about. | Mail Carriers at Work (Meet Your Community Workers) From this book, you will learn a lot about the mail carrier's role in the society, their education and work tools, etc. | Neither Snow Nor Rain: A History of the United States Postal Service This book x-rays the history of the U.S. postal service from its first letter carriers when it was founded by enjamin Franklin. |