Postal Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of e-commerce and digital communication, the role of postal workers remains as crucial as ever.

As the world continues to evolve, the demand for dedicated individuals who can efficiently process, sort, and deliver mail and packages only grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a postal worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of postal work,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable postal worker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Postal Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Postal Workers perform various tasks related to sorting, delivering, and processing mail and packages.

They also provide customer services at postal facilities.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Sort mail and packages for delivery, ensuring they are correctly labeled and stamped
• Deliver mail and packages to residences and businesses, following a prescribed route
• Collect outgoing mail and packages from customers
• Operate various types of postal vehicles and equipment, such as sorting machines and hand trucks
• Obtain signatures for registered, certified, and insured mail
• Respond to customer inquiries about postal regulations, services, and post office box access
• Keep accurate records of deliveries and undeliverable mail
• Ensure postal equipment and vehicles are maintained and functioning correctly
• Collect payments for cash-on-delivery and postage-due mail
• Provide postal services such as selling stamps, weighing packages, and issuing money orders

 

Postal Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a reliable and dedicated Postal Worker to join our team.

The Postal Worker’s responsibilities will include sorting and delivering mail, selling postal products, collecting mail and making sure it reaches its proper destination in a timely manner.

Our ideal candidate has excellent organizational skills, can handle physical work and is able to work in all weather conditions.

Ultimately, the role of the Postal Worker is to ensure that the mail service is carried out successfully and that every customer is satisfied with our service.

 

Responsibilities

• Sort and organize incoming and outgoing mail
• Operate various types of postal equipment
• Deliver mail to residences and businesses
• Sell postal products and services
• Collect signatures for registered, certified, and insured mail
• Return undeliverable mail to sender after attempting delivery
• Keep records of deliveries and customer signatures
• Assist customers with their queries and complaints
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the work area

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to lift heavy mail and packages
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills
• Ability to work in various weather conditions
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must pass a background check and drug screening
• Good knowledge of the local area

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Pension benefits
• Uniform allowance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postal Worker
• Work Environment: Outdoor and indoor settings. Must be able to work in various weather conditions.
• 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: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 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 Worker Do?

Postal Workers, also known as mail carriers, work for national postal services or private courier companies.

They play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of mail and packages to individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Their primary responsibility is to sort, process, and deliver mail and packages.

This typically involves manually sorting mail by address and route, organizing mail into delivery sequence, and then delivering the mail by vehicle or on foot.

A Postal Worker’s role also includes collecting outgoing mail and packages, as well as selling postal products such as stamps and money orders.

They provide customer service, answering customer queries about postal regulations and services and providing change of address forms.

They are also responsible for maintaining accurate records of deliveries and for handling undeliverable mail according to postal regulations.

In some instances, Postal Workers may have to handle cash and valuables, so trustworthiness is an essential attribute for this job role.

Safety is another crucial aspect of a Postal Worker’s job as they must follow postal safety procedures and regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of the mail they are tasked to deliver.

 

Postal Worker Qualifications and Skills

A competent Postal Worker should possess a range of skills and qualifications that align with their daily responsibilities, including:

• Physical stamina to stand, walk, or drive for most of the day, as well as lifting and carrying heavy mail bags
• Attention to detail to ensure that mail and packages are correctly sorted and delivered to the correct addresses
• Time management skills to meet delivery deadlines and work efficiently throughout the day
• Customer service skills to interact professionally and courteously with customers, answering their queries, and resolving their problems
• Communication skills to effectively liaise with coworkers and supervisors, as well as interact with customers
• Navigation skills to find the most efficient routes for mail delivery, especially in unfamiliar areas
• Problem-solving skills to address and resolve unexpected issues that may arise during mail delivery, such as adverse weather conditions or misaddressed mail
• Basic mathematical skills for tasks such as weighing packages to determine postage and handling cash transactions

 

Postal Worker Experience Requirements

Postal workers often start their career with no previous experience in the industry.

However, most employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training is common for this profession, providing new hires with an understanding of the postal system, the sorting process, and delivery procedures.

This training can last for a few weeks and is usually conducted by experienced postal workers or supervisors.

After the initial training, postal workers typically gain experience by performing tasks like sorting and delivering mail under supervision.

With time, they gain the independence and skills necessary to perform these tasks on their own.

Postal workers aspiring for higher roles, such as supervisory or managerial positions, may need a few years of experience in the postal service.

This experience should ideally demonstrate their proficiency in operations, their ability to handle customer service issues, and their capacity to lead a team.

Furthermore, postal workers may also enhance their career prospects by gaining special certifications or additional training in areas like logistics, operations management, or customer service.

 

Postal Worker Education and Training Requirements

Postal Workers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

They receive on-the-job training after being hired, which generally includes orientation and learning how to operate various types of mail processing, sorting, and delivery machinery.

Many Postal Service workers are required to pass a written exam that tests their ability to check names and numbers quickly and accurately, sort items into categories, and complete forms correctly.

Postal Service Mail Carriers must have a driver’s license and a good driving record, as they will be operating mail trucks on their routes.

In certain cases, they may also be required to pass a physical fitness test, as the job can be physically demanding.

While not necessary, some postal workers may choose to pursue additional certification or training in customer service or logistics to improve their skills and knowledge.

Advancement to supervisory or managerial roles usually requires further education or experience.

 

Postal Worker Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Postal Worker is $52,060 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on years of experience, location, and the specific postal service they are employed with.

 

Postal Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a postal worker need?

Postal workers require good physical stamina as the job often involves lifting heavy packages and standing for long periods.

They should have excellent time management skills and be able to work independently.

Good communication skills are necessary, as they often interact with the public.

Additionally, they need to have good organizational skills to sort mail accurately and efficiently.

 

Do postal workers need a degree?

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually enough to become a postal worker.

However, candidates must pass the Postal Service Exam, which measures speed, accuracy, and memory for addresses and postal procedures.

Some positions may require a valid driver’s license.

 

What should you look for in a postal worker resume?

Look for previous experience in customer service roles or jobs requiring physical labor.

Any experience in sorting or delivering mail or packages is a plus.

Check for a valid driver’s license if the job involves driving a delivery vehicle.

A good candidate should demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and good interaction with the public.

 

What qualities make a good postal worker?

A good postal worker should be dependable and efficient, capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines.

They should have good interpersonal skills as they often interact with the public.

Physical stamina is important, as the job can be physically demanding.

They should also be detail-oriented to sort and deliver mail accurately.

 

What are the daily duties of a postal worker?

A typical day for a postal worker involves sorting mail and packages, either manually or using automated machinery.

They then prepare mail for delivery, grouping it by delivery sequence.

Postal workers then deliver mail and packages, either on foot or by vehicle, depending on the route.

They may also collect signatures for registered, certified, and insured mail.

Postal workers may also sell postal products and services at post offices.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve decoded the intricacies of being a postal worker.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about delivering mail.

It’s about forging connections, one letter or parcel at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive postal worker job description template and true-to-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your express route to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every delivered mail forms part of a larger network.

Let’s fortify those connections. Together.