Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, & Processing Machine Operators

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Code: 43-5053.00

Description : Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks; and other duties related to mail handling within the postal service.

JobTitles : Mail Handler, Distribution Clerk, Mail Processor, Data Conversion Operator, Parcel Post Distribution Machine Operator (PDPMO), Small Package and Bundle Sorter Clerk (SPBS Clerk), Automation Clerk, Computer Forwarding System Markup Clerk (CFS Markup Clerk), Flat Sorter Operator, Flat Sorting Machine Clerk (FSM Clerk)

Tasks:
  • Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.
  • Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.
  • Serve the public at counters or windows, such as by selling stamps and weighing parcels.
  • Train new workers.
  • Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.
  • Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
  • Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.
  • Clear jams in sorting 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.
  • Open and label mail containers.