Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Clear jams in sorting equipment.
2. 02Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
3. 03Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.
4. 04Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.
5. 05Check 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.
6. 06Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.
7. 07Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains".
8. 08Open and label mail containers.
9. 09Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations.
10. 10Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.
11. 11Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.
12. 12Train new workers.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading