To many, there may seem to be little more that goes into being a postal worker than simply delivering the mail. You know, however, that there are certain qualifications a would-be mail carrier must have to effectively fill such a position and sell various postal products. The postal service mail carrier job description template provided here details how to list such qualifications.
While a mail carrier’s primary responsibility is to convey letters and packages to recipients, he or she plays a much larger role away from the public eye. The responsibility of sorting the mail for a carrier’s respective route fall to him or her, requiring close collaboration with clerks and processors.
A postal worker must also have the physical endurance required to get through a route. Consult the postal service mail carrier job description template below to see how to detail the physical requirements that come with this job.
Postal Service Mail Carrier Job Summary
A career as a mail carrier gives you the chance to serve others in your local community and even more across the country. If you enjoy being part of a process that can brighten a person’s day, this job is for you. You’ll get to meet new people and gain exposure to new communities and cultures, all while being relied upon to help keep people in touch with the important persons and parties in their lives. You’ll also develop an expert understanding of logistics, learning the details that go into processing, packaging and shipment, as well as the guidelines regulating land, rail and airway deliveries. Working as a mail carrier allows you to work with a world-class service team under the direction of a dedicated, caring and compassionate postmaster.
Job Responsibilities
- Supervise a designated local mail route conveying packages, letters and other items to area residents and business owners
- Act as courier for local residents in carrying and processing mail items for delivery to other parties
- Ensure delivery of certified and insured mail, collecting any associated fees as well as the required documentation confirming delivery
- Sort and prepare all mail items in preparation for delivery
- Maintain and submit shift reports detailing the processes followed and any obstacles encountered during daily route
- Operate postal service vehicles as well as other equipment such as forklifts and conveyers used to assist with the storage and retrieval of mail items
- Report any unusual or suspicious packages, letters or other mail items to appropriate postal managers and assist in the coordination with local law enforcement officials to evaluate and/or dispose of such items, if necessary
- Perform maintenance services at local post office, including retrieving correspondence from local mailboxes, sorting and placing items in post office boxes and helping coordinate delivery schedules with other carriers to compensate for missing personnel
Job Skills and Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Must be able to lift at least 20 pounds
- Good physical endurance with ability to travel multiple miles by foot
Preferred:
- Familiarity with local community
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Previous work experience in courier services
- Working knowledge of data warehousing software programs
Postal Service Mail Carrier Job Responsibilities
When writing a postal service mail carrier job description, the responsibilities section is usually considered the most important. Because this is the section that readers will use to decide whether or not to apply, it should be the longest and meatiest section. Most hiring managers know that they should write this section as a bulleted list, but they may neglect some standard formatting practices. Learn what the best way to create an effective postal service mail carrier job responsibilities section is.
First, you need to realize that if this section is too long or too short, it may turn readers away from the position. 6-8 bullet points is a good length to entice candidates without intimidating them. Second, every bullet point should begin with a strong action verb. This makes it much easier for readers to understand what the daily responsibilities will be if you offer them the job. Keep these tips in mind when writing your postal service mail carrier job description.
- Deliver mail and packages to residential homes and business along specified routes
- Receive receipts for registered mail efficiently and quickly
- Sort mail accurately, arranging it for the delivery sequence
- Adhere to specific schedules, taking measures to avoid delays on a daily basis
- Report inconsistencies and unusual or suspicious situations that relates to mail delivery
Postal Service Mail Carrier Job Specifications
At the end of your postal service mail carrier job description, include a job qualifications and skills section that outlines these requirements. This will likely be the shortest section in the resume, especially since this position does not often require any specific educational accomplishments. Still, do not fall into the trap of assuming it is an unimportant section. The postal service mail carrier job specifications will determine how many candidates apply. Unless you are careful, you may end up with many unqualified applications to sort through.
It is a good idea to separate out requirements that are only preferences and organize them in a separate category. This gives the benefit of focusing the type of candidates that will apply without filtering out those that are best qualified. Because a certain degree is likely not necessary, the hard requirements may be language skills, previous working experiences or physical requirements.
These example entries will help you when writing your own postal service mail carrier job description:
- Must be fluent in English, Spanish fluency preferred
- Excellent communication abilities, including interpersonal, verbal and oral
- High endurance and strength to perform physical labor for multiple hours
- 2 years working in mail delivery required, 4 years preferred