Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.
Work Activities
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Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
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Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
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Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
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Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
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Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.
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Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
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Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
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Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
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Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
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Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
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Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
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Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
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Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
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Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
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Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
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Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
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Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
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Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
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Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
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Clear jams in sortation equipment.
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Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
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Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
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Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.
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Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.
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Insert material for printing or addressing into loading racks on machines, select type or die sizes, and position plates, stencils, or tapes in machine magazines.
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Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.
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Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
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Use equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains," to move containers of mail.
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Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.
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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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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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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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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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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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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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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.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Education High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience No work experience
- Training Less than 1 month on-the-job training
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Looking for technical training programs?
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Conventional: People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.They do well at jobs that need:
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Integrity
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Self Control
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Dependability
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Attention to Detail
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Cooperation
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Stress Tolerance
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Franking or postage machines
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Carts
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Automatic postal or mailing machine
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Automated storage or retrieval systems
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Addressing machines
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Word processing software
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Electronic mail software
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Document management software
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Data base user interface and query software
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Accounting software
