Postal Service Mail Carrier Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of rapid communication, the role of Postal Service Mail Carriers is more critical than ever.

As the world revolves, the demand for reliable, diligent individuals who can navigate, distribute, and secure our physical mail system continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Postal Service Mail Carrier?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the daily tasks of a mail carrier,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Postal Service Mail Carrier Duties and Responsibilities

Postal Service Mail Carriers are responsible for delivering mail to businesses and homes in a specific area.

They need to have a good knowledge of the routes they cover and must be organized, reliable, and able to work under various weather conditions.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Sorting mail in delivery sequence for the assigned route.
• Delivering mail, packages, and parcels to residences and businesses.
• Collecting signatures for registered, certified, and insured mail.
• Returning to the postal office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.
• Providing customer service, such as answering queries and resolving complaints.
• Maintaining accurate records of deliveries and undeliverable packages.
• Operating various types of postal vehicles, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ensuring the mail vehicle is clean and in good working order.
• Assisting with sorting or preparing mail in the post office.

 

Postal Service Mail Carrier Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a reliable Postal Service Mail Carrier to join our team.

As a Mail Carrier, your responsibilities will include sorting mail, collecting outgoing mail, delivering mail to residences and businesses, and answering customers’ queries about postal regulations and services.

Our ideal candidate is diligent, punctual, and possesses a strong sense of responsibility.

Good physical stamina and a clean driving record are also essential for this role.

Ultimately, a successful Mail Carrier should ensure that every item of mail is delivered in a timely and professional manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Sort mail for delivery, arranging items in delivery sequence.
• Deliver mail to residences and business establishments along specified routes.
• Collect outgoing mail from customers and public mailboxes.
• Answer customers’ queries about postal regulations and services and provide change of address cards and other postal forms when necessary.
• Sign for cash-on-delivery and registered mail before leaving the post office.
• Record address changes and redirect mail for those addresses.
• Return to the post office with mail collected from homes, businesses, and public mailboxes.
• Maintain accurate records of deliveries.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a mail carrier or similar role.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Physical stamina, able to lift heavy sacks of mail and work on feet for long periods of time.
• Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• High level of responsibility and accuracy.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postal Service Mail Carrier
• Work Environment: Predominantly outdoor, in varying weather conditions. Requires physical activity and driving.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Postmaster or Supervisor, Customer Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $58,000 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 Postal Service Mail Carrier Do?

Postal Service Mail Carriers are essential employees in the postal system, playing a crucial role in the delivery of mail to both residential and commercial areas.

Their primary responsibility is to sort and deliver mail and packages to homes, businesses, and PO boxes in a specific route or area.

They work on foot, or sometimes use vehicles, depending on the volume of mail and the area they are assigned to.

They also collect outgoing mail and packages from customers, take signatures for registered, certified, and insured mail, and answer customers’ questions about postal services and regulations.

In addition to delivering mail, they may be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their vehicles and regularly updating delivery records.

Postal Service Mail Carriers often have to work in adverse weather conditions, and they also need to ensure the mail’s safety and confidentiality.

They also play a crucial role in identifying undeliverable mail and returning it to the sender with the appropriate annotations.

 

Postal Service Mail Carrier Qualifications and Skills

Postal Service Mail Carriers should possess a range of practical skills, physical stamina, and customer service aptitude, including:

• Organizational skills to manage a large amount of mail and packages, ensuring they are correctly sorted and delivered to the right addresses.
• Physical strength and endurance to carry heavy bags of mail and walk or drive for long periods of time, often in varying weather conditions.
• Excellent navigational skills to efficiently plan and follow the most logical route for mail delivery.
• Attention to detail to ensure mail is not misplaced or delivered to the wrong address.
• Interpersonal skills to interact professionally and courteously with customers, answering their questions and resolving their complaints.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills for sorting mail and parcels, recording deliveries, and handling cash or checks when necessary.
• Ability to work independently as mail carriers often perform their duties with minimal supervision.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations like traffic disruptions, misaddressed mail, or difficult-to-locate addresses.

 

Postal Service Mail Carrier Experience Requirements

Postal Service Mail Carriers may not require a significant amount of prior experience to start the job.

The minimum requirement is typically a high school diploma or equivalent.

Training is usually provided on the job, where new mail carriers learn about postal regulations, sorting systems, and delivery routes from experienced carriers.

However, previous work experience that involves customer service, organization, and physical activity can be beneficial.

This could include roles such as a retail associate, warehouse worker, or delivery driver.

For those looking to advance to supervisory or managerial positions within the postal service, several years of experience as a mail carrier are usually required.

This experience enables them to gain a comprehensive understanding of postal operations and procedures.

Additionally, any experience that involves working outdoors and navigating routes, especially in varying weather conditions, can prove advantageous for those aspiring to be Postal Service Mail Carriers.

 

Postal Service Mail Carrier Education and Training Requirements

Postal Service Mail Carriers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

After being hired, Mail Carriers undergo several weeks of on-the-job training, which includes classroom instruction and delivery route training.

The United States Postal Service also offers orientation classes that cover the basic duties of a mail carrier, safety procedures, and customer service skills.

Although not a requirement, some candidates may find it beneficial to have a driver’s license and a clean driving record, as they may be tasked with delivering mail using a company vehicle.

There is no specific certification needed to become a Mail Carrier.

However, after a probationary period, typically about 90 days, newly hired Mail Carriers can become regular employees of the United States Postal Service.

While post-secondary education is not typically required, some Mail Carriers may find it helpful to have taken courses in logistics or customer service.

Continuing education and professional development courses may also be beneficial for those looking to advance within the postal system.

 

Postal Service Mail Carrier Salary Expectations

A Postal Service Mail Carrier earns an average salary of $51,310 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate depending on the experience, the state in which they are operating, and the specific policies of the Postal Service they are employed by.

 

Postal Service Mail Carrier Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Postal Service Mail Carrier need?

Postal Service Mail Carriers need strong organizational skills to sort and arrange mail effectively.

They should have excellent time management skills to maintain delivery schedules and routes.

Good physical stamina is also required, as the job involves walking or driving for extended periods and carrying heavy mail bags.

Moreover, they must possess interpersonal and customer service skills since they interact with the public regularly.

 

Do Postal Service Mail Carriers need any specific qualifications?

While a college degree is not necessary, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required.

Postal Service Mail Carriers must also pass the 473 Postal Exam, which assesses their skills in address cross comparison, forms completion, coding, memory, and number series.

A clean driving record is essential for those who will be driving delivery vehicles.

 

What should you look for in a Postal Service Mail Carrier resume?

Look for experience in a delivery or customer service role, as this can be a good indicator of their ability to handle the job’s demands.

They should also have a clean driving record if the role requires driving.

It would also be beneficial if they have passed the 473 Postal Exam.

 

What qualities make a good Postal Service Mail Carrier?

A good Postal Service Mail Carrier is reliable, punctual, and able to work independently.

They should have a strong sense of responsibility and integrity, as they are entrusted with people’s personal mail and packages.

Good physical health is also important, as the role often involves heavy lifting and long hours on foot or behind the wheel.

 

Is it challenging to hire Postal Service Mail Carriers?

Hiring Postal Service Mail Carriers can be challenging due to the physical demands and responsibilities of the job.

Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet candidates to ensure they are capable and reliable.

Offering a competitive salary and benefits can also aid in attracting and retaining quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we revealed the ins and outs of being a postal service mail carrier.

Surprised?

It’s not just about delivering mail.

It’s about connecting communities and facilitating communication, one letter at a time.

With our comprehensive postal service mail carrier job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every delivered letter plays a role in the larger network.

Let’s keep the world connected. Together.