Postal Service Clerks
Overview
Postal Service Clerks work at post offices helping customers with all their mailing needs, from selling stamps and money orders to processing packages and letters. They handle cash transactions, weigh packages, calculate shipping costs, and provide customer service by answering questions about mail regulations and services. The job requires strong math skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities, as clerks use both traditional methods and modern digital systems to track mail and process payments. Many postal workers enjoy the variety of tasks and the opportunity to serve their local community while working in a stable government position.
Did you know?
Postal Service Clerks enjoy federal employee benefits including health insurance and retirement plans, but face potential job instability due to USPS financial challenges and organizational restructuring.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$60,819.22 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Technology Design
Key Responsibilities
- Rent post office boxes to customers.
- Provide customers with assistance in filing claims for mail theft, or lost or damaged mail.
- Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation.
- Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.
- Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
- Transport mail from one work station to another.
- Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
- Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
- Provide assistance to the public in complying with federal regulations of Postal Service and other federal agencies.
- Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
- Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
- Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
- Order retail items and other supplies for office use.
- Cash money orders.
- Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
- Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.
- Respond to complaints regarding mail theft, delivery problems, and lost or damaged mail, filling out forms and making appropriate referrals for investigation.
- Feed mail into postage canceling devices or hand stamp mail to cancel postage.
- Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
Career Considerations
Federal Employment Benefits and Job Security
Postal Service Clerks enjoy federal employee benefits including health insurance and retirement plans, but face potential job instability due to USPS financial challenges and organizational restructuring.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting packages up to 70 pounds, and working in various weather conditions, which may not suit all individuals.
Limited Industry Growth
The postal service industry faces declining mail volumes due to digital communication trends, potentially limiting long-term career growth opportunities.