Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
What is a Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators?
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators are essential contributors to the operations of the postal system, responsible for the efficient handling and distribution of mail. Their primary role involves sorting incoming and outgoing mail based on various criteria such as destination, size, and weight, ensuring that each piece of mail is directed accurately and promptly to its next point in the delivery process.
These workers utilize a variety of mechanical and automated systems, including high-speed sorting machines, to enhance productivity and reduce manual sorting time. They must monitor these machines for any malfunction and perform basic maintenance, ensuring they operate smoothly throughout the sorting process. Beyond sorting, they are tasked with processing mail that may include affixing postage, preparing parcels for shipping, and organizing the mail within designated areas for easy retrieval.
In addition to machine operations, Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators may also work in teams or independently in warehouses or distribution centers, maintaining an organized workflow that upholds the efficiency of the postal service. They adhere to safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries while operating potentially hazardous equipment. Furthermore, they play a vital role in meeting the tight deadlines often associated with mail delivery, contributing significantly to the reliability and effectiveness of postal services.
Tasks
- Clear jams in sorting equipment.
- Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
- Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.
- Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.
- Check 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.
Technology Skills
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Tools Used
- Sorters
- Postal scales
- Bar code reader equipment
- Franking or postage machines
- Carts
Knowledge
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Detailed Work Activities
- Route mail to correct destinations.
- Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.
- Verify shipping documentation.
- Package objects for shipping.
- Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$41700.0 - $71840.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.