Job Description of a Rural Mail Carrier

Rural mail carrier job description

Rural mail carriers are usually employed by postal services located in rural areas or small towns. This field is flexible since carriers can be employed as full-time or part-time employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postal workers are faced with competition to get jobs because of the attractive salaries and few job requirements. Openings for mail carriers are projected to decline about 1 percent through 2018.

Significance

A rural mail carrier is responsible for delivering mail to rural areas. They might deliver mail to residential homes or businesses. In most rural areas, the carrier delivers mail to tenants' mailboxes that are all in one central location. In addition to delivering mail, rural mail carriers also might perform other duties such as certifying parcels and letters or selling postage stamps to those who visit the post office.

Education

Rural mail carriers are not subject to any particular academic requirements. However, to be hired they are required to pass the USPS Exam 473 standardized exam. Most carriers receive job training administered by the postal office where they are hired. The training is usually provided under the supervision of an experienced mail carrier. Classes might include instructions on defensive driving techniques.

Requirements

Rural mail carriers are required to pass a drug test. They also are required to have a clean driving record. The mail carrier should have adequate communication skills because he is required to answer customers' questions regarding postal services. Carriers also must be in good health because their job requires continuous lifting and moving.

Warning

A rural mail carrier might work early-morning hours. The work day can begin as early as 4 a.m. Many rural carriers aren't given a company vehicle and must deliver mail in their own vehicle. Although carriers are reimbursed for the usage of their vehicle, this still can result in wear and extra mileage on the vehicle. Most of the work day is spent outdoors and the carrier can be exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as snow or rain. Injuries can occur as a result of heavy lifting or delivering mail while facing hazardous road conditions. The carrier also might be required to resolve complaints from customers who are dissatisfied with the postal service.

Salary

BLS reported that mail carriers earned a median wage of $49,800 as of May 2008. Carriers have the potential of earning an annual salary of as much as $52,400. In addition, they are reimbursed for mileage on their personal vehicle used to deliver mail.

References

• BLS: Postal Service Mail Carriers
• Federal Jobs: Post Office Jobs