Exceptional Casual Mail Handler Job Description

Casual mail handlers work behind the scenes at postal offices across the country, organizing and processing mail. Any casual mail handler job description includes strong organization skills and basic proficiency with the English language.

Position Description

Casual mail handlers are the individuals who prepare, move, and sort the millions of letters and packages that pass through the nation’s postal offices every day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Casual Mail Handler

• Unloads mail trucks as they arrive at the post office and separates mail that is to be delivered locally from that which must be sent on to other distribution centers.
• Removes mail from carrier sacks and prepares next load to be delivered.
• Sorts mail according to country, state, zipcode, and street according to established standards set by the US Department of Postal Services. Organizes mail into appropriately marked bins for delivery, storage, or transportation to other centers.
• Operates sorting machinery for parcel post or processed packages, parcels, or letters.
• Marks cancelled stamps on parcel post either by hand or using the appropriate cancelling machines.
• Inspects postal equipment for any damages and reports observations to appropriate supervisors or management.
• Wraps damaged or mishandled parcels before processing.
• Processes mail using a variety of special equipment.
• Performs minimal sales and service duties as assigned.
• Delivers mail to internal post office boxes and distributes packages to customers who present appropriate documentation and identification.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be proficient with the English language and be able to decipher hand-written labels on mail.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and up to 70 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to follow instructions.
• Must be able to work up to six days a week and work long hours, often overnight.
• Must be able to pass a drug test and background check.In some cases, must pass a medical examination to prove fitness under conditions of exertion.
• Must work within a team and be able to assume various other roles within the post office as required.
• Must be able to work and interact with the general public.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or a General Educational Development or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and be a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident. If male, must be registered with the selective service.
• Successful completion of Postal Service Test 473, which measures abilities, skills, and knowledge with regards to address checking, forms completion, coding & memory, personal characteristics and experience inventory.

Work Environment

• Indoor environment working with a variety of heavy machinery and processing equipment. Much time is spent in industrial environments and may contain dust or other allergens.
• Must be able to endure long hours of standing, walking, and bending.
• Must be able to reach shelves above head height and lift, push, and otherwise transport containers of mail that can weigh up to 70 pounds.

Salary

• Starting hourly pay between $9.00 and $13.75 an hour.
• Average median salary of $27,590.
• Experienced management average $53,100 yearly salary.