Postal Service Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of rapid communication, the role of Postal Service Clerks remains as vital as ever.

As society pushes forward, the demand for skilled individuals who can efficiently process, sort, and distribute mail, while ensuring the smooth operation of postal services, continues to grow.

But what exactly is expected from a Postal Service Clerk?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nature of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of postal services,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Postal Service Clerk job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Postal Service Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Postal Service Clerks perform a variety of tasks related to mail services, customer service, and administrative duties in post offices.

They are directly responsible for managing the operations at the counter and ensuring that mails and packages are properly sorted and dispatched.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting customers with post office services such as mailing letters and packages, buying stamps, and applying for post office boxes
• Sorting incoming mail and preparing outgoing mail for distribution
• Operating various types of postal machinery and equipment, including postage meters and stamp machines
• Checking mail to ensure correct postage and that packages meet shipping regulations
• Selling postal products and services, such as stamps, money orders, and postal stationary
• Maintaining records of transactions, including certified mail, insured parcels, and money orders
• Answering customer inquiries regarding postal services, regulations, and postal rates
• Performing administrative tasks such as managing post office box rentals and holding mail for customers

 

Postal Service Clerk Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Postal Service Clerk to manage all aspects of mail handling within our organization.

Your duties will include receiving and sorting mail, selling postage and related items, and providing customer service.

The ideal candidate should be familiar with postal regulations and procedures, possess excellent customer service skills and have an ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Sorting and organizing incoming and outgoing mail
• Selling postage stamps, prepaid mail envelopes and other postal related items
• Operating postage meter machines and other mail processing equipment
• Assisting customers in packaging items to be shipped
• Answering customer inquiries about postal regulations and services
• Maintaining inventory of postal supplies
• Ensuring the customer area is clean and organized
• Handling cash transactions and operating the cash register

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in a customer service role is preferred
• Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to operate mail processing equipment
• Ability to handle cash transactions accurately
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postal Service Clerk
• Work Environment: Office setting within a postal facility. The role involves regular interaction with the public and may involve working on weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Postmaster or Assistant Postmaster.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Postal Service Clerk Do?

Postal Service Clerks perform crucial tasks in mail delivery institutions, such as post offices.

They are the primary points of contact for customers seeking mailing services.

They receive letters and packages, calculate postage costs based on weight and destination, and accept payment from customers.

They also register, certify, and insure letters and parcels as needed.

Postal Service Clerks also sort incoming mail and packages for distribution, and direct mail and packages to the correct delivery areas.

They provide customer service, answer inquiries about postal regulations, assist with filling out forms, and address complaints about mail delivery.

Other responsibilities may include selling postal supplies such as stamps, prepaid envelopes, and boxes.

They also keep records of transactions and maintain clean and organized work areas.

In some cases, Postal Service Clerks may be responsible for operating machines that print postage and packaging labels.

They also update the status of registered, certified, and insured mail, and notify recipients of package delivery.

 

Postal Service Clerk Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Postal Service Clerk should possess a number of skills and qualifications to perform their role effectively, including:

• Exceptional customer service skills to deal with a variety of clients and address their needs efficiently and professionally.
• Effective communication skills to interact with customers and coworkers, answering inquiries and providing clear and accurate information.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to handle packages and letters of various sizes and weights.
• Attention to detail for sorting and organizing mail accurately, and to ensure the correct postage is applied.
• Basic mathematical skills to manage cash transactions and balance accounts accurately.
• Proficiency in using computer systems to handle transactions, track packages and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing time efficiently to meet deadlines and handle a high volume of mail.
• Understanding of postal regulations and services to provide appropriate guidance to customers.
• Integrity and honesty as they handle personal and sensitive information.

 

Postal Service Clerk Experience Requirements

Postal Service Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Entry-level clerk positions generally do not require previous work experience, as the United States Postal Service provides on-the-job training.

This training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in sorting mail, selling postal products, and learning about postal regulations and services.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of customer service or administrative experience, often through part-time roles or internships, can have an advantage.

These professionals can gain additional experience through roles such as Mail Carrier, Postal Support Employee, or Mail Processing Clerk.

For individuals with more than 3 years of experience, they usually have developed their skills in customer service, mail sorting, and postal operations management.

They are often skilled in the use of automated postal equipment and have a deep understanding of postal regulations and services.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and could be ready for a supervisory or managerial position within the postal service.

They often have a comprehensive understanding of postal operations and are skilled in team leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning.

 

Postal Service Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Postal Service Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions.

These individuals undergo on-the-job training for a period of a few weeks, during which they learn about postal rules and procedures, mail processing, and how to deal with customers.

They might also learn how to use computer systems that sort mail and sell postal products.

Beyond high school education, no further formal education is typically required, but knowledge of clerical and customer service principles can be beneficial.

Some Postal Service Clerks may choose to undertake professional development courses to advance their careers, although this is not a requirement.

Successful Postal Service Clerks are detail-oriented, organized, and have good customer service skills.

They are also expected to be physically fit as the job may involve lifting heavy mail sacks.

An important part of the training process involves learning about the importance of confidentiality and the responsibility to safeguard the mail.

 

Postal Service Clerk Salary Expectations

A Postal Service Clerk can expect to earn an average salary of $40,410 (USD) per year.

This figure can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the postal office in which they work.

 

Postal Service Clerk Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Postal Service Clerk need?

Postal Service Clerks should possess strong communication skills to interact with the public efficiently and clearly.

They should have basic math skills for handling cash transactions and excellent organizational skills to manage parcels, packages, and mail.

Attention to detail is critical in sorting and distributing mail accurately.

Basic computer skills are also necessary for using postage software systems.

 

Do Postal Service Clerks need specific qualifications?

Most Postal Service Clerks are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

They also need to pass the Civil Service exam specific to postal clerks.

Experience in customer service can be beneficial but is not usually required as on-the-job training is often provided.

 

What should you look for in a Postal Service Clerk resume?

A Postal Service Clerk resume should highlight customer service experience, basic computing skills, and the ability to handle cash transactions.

It should also indicate their ability to work under pressure, especially during peak mail times.

Past experience in a mailroom or similar environment could be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Postal Service Clerk?

A good Postal Service Clerk should be customer-focused, as they often interact with the public.

They should be able to work under pressure, especially during peak mail times, and maintain accuracy in their work.

They should also have good problem-solving skills to handle customer queries or complaints efficiently.

 

Are Postal Service Clerks required to handle heavy loads?

Yes, Postal Service Clerks often need to handle heavy parcels and packages.

Therefore, they should be physically fit and able to lift heavy loads.

They might also be required to stand or walk for extended periods.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a postal service clerk.

And guess what?

It’s not just about sorting mail.

It’s about orchestrating the flow of communication, one letter at a time.

With our reliable postal service clerk job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every letter sorted is a part of a larger story.

Let’s deliver that story. Together.