Post Office Mail Sorter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of fast-paced communication, the role of post office mail sorters remains as critical as ever.

As the flow of mail continues unabated, the demand for adept hands who can efficiently sort, process, and manage our postal system grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a post office mail sorter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of postal operations,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable post office mail sorter job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Post Office Mail Sorter Duties and Responsibilities

Post Office Mail Sorters play a critical role in the mail delivery system, ensuring that mail is sorted correctly and efficiently for delivery to the appropriate addresses.

Their key function is to manage and process the vast amounts of mail that pass through post offices daily.

The duties and responsibilities of a Post Office Mail Sorter include:

• Receiving incoming mail and packages from various sources
• Sorting mail and packages based on postal codes and addresses
• Operating sorting machines and making sure they function properly
• Handling and sorting mail manually where necessary
• Ensuring the correct distribution of mail to the respective delivery routes
• Identifying any damaged or suspicious parcels and reporting them as per the protocol
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment
• Ensuring the confidentiality and security of all mail and packages
• Assisting in the loading and unloading of mail trucks
• Maintaining accurate records of sorted and unsorted mail
• Performing routine maintenance on mail sorting equipment
• Assisting customers with inquiries or directing them to the appropriate personnel

 

Post Office Mail Sorter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable and efficient Post Office Mail Sorter to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for organizing and preparing mail for distribution.

The Mail Sorter’s responsibilities include receiving incoming mail, sorting mail according to destinations, operating sorting machines, and ensuring that mail is sent out in a timely manner.

Our ideal candidate is attentive to detail, can handle heavy mail loads, and is familiar with postal regulations and procedures.

Ultimately, the Mail Sorter’s role is to ensure that all letters and packages are properly sorted and ready for delivery to maintain the efficiency of the postal service.

 

Responsibilities

• Sort incoming and outgoing mail and packages by postal codes, addresses and other categories.
• Operate sorting machines and ensure their proper functionality.
• Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.
• Ensure all outgoing mail is correctly stamped.
• Inspect packages to ensure they are not damaged.
• Maintain accurate records of shipments and ensure all orders have been filled correctly.
• Adhere to safety procedures and regulations at all times.
• Report any unusual or suspicious packages to management.

 

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a mailroom or post office environment is preferred.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures.
• Ability to operate sorting machines and other postal equipment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Union membership and benefits (if applicable)

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Post Office Mail Sorter
• Work Environment: This job is physically demanding and requires standing for long periods and lifting heavy objects. You will be working in a warehouse-like environment.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Postmaster or Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $32,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Post Office Mail Sorter Do?

A Post Office Mail Sorter is a crucial part of the postal service industry, ensuring that mail and packages are accurately sorted and delivered to the correct destinations.

They are responsible for arranging mail and packages according to their postal codes or addresses, operating sorting machinery, and manually sorting items that cannot be processed by the machines.

Their work also includes checking for incorrect or illegible addresses and redirecting mail if necessary.

They may also be required to bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas depending on their final destination.

Post Office Mail Sorters must be detail-oriented to minimize errors, and they may need to lift heavy packages or stand for extended periods.

They also play an important role in ensuring that the mail processing operation runs smoothly and efficiently, assisting in the timely delivery of mail and packages.

 

Post Office Mail Sorter Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Post Office Mail Sorter should have skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong organizational skills to ensure mail is sorted accurately and efficiently.
• Attention to detail to spot mistakes and inconsistencies, such as incorrect addresses or improperly packaged items.
• Basic numeracy skills for calculating postage rates and handling any financial transactions.
• Physical stamina and strength to lift and move heavy mail bags and packages.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment to process high volumes of mail, especially during peak times.
• Excellent teamwork skills to work collaboratively with other postal workers and maintain a streamlined operation.
• Understanding of postal codes and geography to correctly sort mail by destination.
• Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures to ensure mail is handled and processed in accordance with laws and regulations.

 

Post Office Mail Sorter Experience Requirements

Entry-level Post Office Mail Sorters may start with minimal experience, often gained through part-time roles or internships in mailroom operations or similar environments.

On-the-job training is typically provided to familiarize them with postal guidelines, procedures, and machinery.

For positions requiring a year or two of experience, candidates are generally expected to have a solid understanding of mail sorting processes, including familiarity with sorting machinery, manual sorting procedures, and postal coding systems.

Candidates with 3 years or more of experience should have a comprehensive understanding of mail sorting operations, and may have had experience in handling bulk mail or international postal items.

They may also have worked in diverse environments and shifts, building their capacity for adaptability and resilience.

Those with over 5 years of experience are often expected to have supervisory experience, demonstrating the ability to manage teams, handle scheduling, and resolve operational challenges.

They may also have had experience with training new hires and implementing efficiency measures within the sorting process.

 

Post Office Mail Sorter Education and Training Requirements

A Post Office Mail Sorter typically requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

In terms of training, new hires usually learn the job under the guidance of an experienced sorter or mail handler.

This on-the-job training typically includes learning how to operate various types of sorting machines, manual sorting techniques, safety regulations, and postal policies.

Additional skills such as attention to detail, physical stamina, and ability to work at a fast pace could be beneficial in this role.

While formal education beyond high school is not usually required, courses or training in logistics or postal service operations could be beneficial.

This could help a candidate stand out, particularly for roles with more responsibility or for promotional opportunities.

There is no specific license required for this job role.

However, for some post office jobs, passing a postal exam might be required.

Ongoing training is typically provided by the postal service to keep sorters updated on new sorting technologies and postal regulations.

 

Post Office Mail Sorter Salary Expectations

A Post Office Mail Sorter can expect to earn an average salary of $31,306 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, and the location of the job.

 

Post Office Mail Sorter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Post Office Mail Sorter need?

A Post Office Mail Sorter should have good organization skills and a keen eye for detail to sort mail accurately and efficiently.

They should have the ability to work quickly to meet deadlines, while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

Physical stamina is also important as they are often required to stand for long periods and lift heavy mail bags.

Basic computer skills may be needed for operation of automated sorting machines.

 

Do Post Office Mail Sorters need a degree?

No, a degree is not required to become a Post Office Mail Sorter.

However, a high school diploma or its equivalent is typically required.

On-the-job training is usually provided to new hires to familiarize them with postal procedures and sorting equipment.

 

What should you look for in a Post Office Mail Sorter resume?

A Post Office Mail Sorter resume should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to work quickly and accurately, often under pressure.

Experience in a similar role or any experience in handling mail would be advantageous.

It should also highlight any physical abilities that would be necessary for the role, such as the ability to lift heavy mail bags.

 

What qualities make a good Post Office Mail Sorter?

A good Post Office Mail Sorter is reliable, punctual and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

They should have good attention to detail to ensure mail is correctly sorted and dispatched to the right locations.

Physical stamina and strength are also important as the role often involves standing for long periods and lifting heavy items.

 

Is it difficult to hire Post Office Mail Sorters?

The difficulty in hiring Post Office Mail Sorters largely depends on the location and the pool of available candidates.

In some areas, there may be a high number of applicants for each role, while in others, there might be a shortage.

Offering competitive wages and benefits can help attract and retain qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve journeyed into the often overlooked world of the Post Office Mail Sorter.

Surprised?

This job isn’t just about sorting envelopes.

It’s about ensuring that every letter, every package, reaches its destination, one mail at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Post Office Mail Sorter job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But, why put a limit on possibilities?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating razor-sharp job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Never forget:

Every sorted mail is a part of a bigger process.

Let’s deliver the future. Together.