Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

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Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

Careers / Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

Summary Description


	Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks; and other duties related to mail handling within the postal service.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Assorter

2.	Automation Clerk

3.	Computer Forwarding System Markup Clerk (CFS Markup Clerk)

4.	Data Conversion Operator

5.	Dead Mail Checker

6.	Distribution Clerk

7.	Distributor

8.	Equipment Operator

9.	File Conversion Operator

10.	Flat Sorter Operator

11.	Flat Sorter Processor

12.	Flat Sorting Machine Clerk (FSM Clerk)

13.	Letter Sorting Machine Operator (LSM Operator)

14.	Mail Distribution Clerk

15.	Mail Distribution Scheme Examiner

16.	Mail Distributor

17.	Mail Examiner

18.	Mail Forwarding System Markup Clerk

19.	Mail Handler

20.	Mail Handler Sorter

21.	Mail Opener

22.	Mail Processing

23.	Mail Processor

24.	Mail Sorter

25.	Mail Weigher

26.	Mailing Section Clerk

27.	Operations Label Clerk

28.	Parcel Post Distribution Machine Operator (PDPMO)

29.	Post Office Markup Clerk

30.	Postal Clerk

31.	Postal Service Mail Processor

32.	Postal Transportation Clerk

33.	Registry Clerk

34.	Small Package and Bundle Sorter Clerk (SPBS Clerk)

35.	Sorter

36.	Sorting Machine Operator

37.	Window Clerk

38.	ZMT Operator (Zip Mail Translator Operator)

Job Tasks

	Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment. Route mail to correct destinations.

	Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines. Package objects for shipping. Route mail to correct destinations.

	Serve the public at counters or windows, such as by selling stamps and weighing parcels. Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs. Sell products or services.

	Supervise other mail sorters. Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.

	Train new workers. Train personnel.

	Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes. Distribute incoming mail.

	Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters. Operate computers or computerized equipment.

	Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail. Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants.

	Clear jams in sorting equipment. Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.

	Check items to ensure that addresses are legible and correct, that sufficient postage has been paid or the appropriate documentation is attached, and that items are in a suitable condition for processing. Verify shipping documentation.

	Open and label mail containers. Attach identification information to products, items or containers.

	Rewrap soiled or broken parcels. Package objects for shipping.

	Weigh articles to determine required postage. Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs.

	Move containers of mail, using equipment such as forklifts and automated "trains". Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.

	Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling. Sort mail.

	Accept and check containers of mail from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors. Receive shipments.

	Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations. Load materials or equipment. Unload materials or equipment.

	Cancel letter or parcel post stamps by hand. Prepare outgoing mail.

	Dump sacks of mail onto conveyors for culling and sorting. Unload materials or equipment.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Postal Service Workers
	Postal service workers sell postal products and collect, sort, and deliver mail.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Postal Service Workers
	Postal service clerks and mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators work indoors, typically in a post office. Mail carriers mostly work outdoors, delivering mail.

	Read More >>

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