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Postal Service Clerks

Also called: Clerk, Postal Clerk, Sales and Service Associate (SSA), Window Clerk

What they do:

Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.

On the job, you would:
  • Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
  • Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
  • Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Math

  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance

Operating system software

  • Microsoft Windows

Accounting software

  • Budgeting software

Point of sale POS software

  • NCR Advanced Store

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $56,200

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Government industry.