Job Description of a USPS Package Handler

USPS package handlers perform an integral function.

Package handlers for the United States Postal Service operate sorting machines and physically move packages at distribution facilities. USPS package handlers assist in quality control and safety procedures.

Job Requirements

USPS package handlers take an entrance examination.

Aspiring package handlers must pass the postal service examination and be at least 18 years of age. They must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident aliens and pass a preliminary criminal background investigation.

Duties

Package handlers process a variety of parcels.

USPS package handlers label parcels and direct them from assembly lines to distribution areas for pickup by delivery vehicles. They inspect packages to verify that addresses are legible and to rule out potentially hazardous materials.

Work Environment

USPS package handlers work in fast-paced environments.

USPS package handlers work in a fast, repetitive, noisy, stressful and deadline-oriented environment. They must meet daily package quotas and work a variety of shifts.

Key Traits

Stressful conditions are common.

Successful USPS package handlers must be detail-oriented, cooperate with co-workers and handle stressful situations. They must control outbursts of anger and avoid confrontations with colleagues and supervisors.

Compensation

BLS stated a mean annual salary of $48,260 as of 2009.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, USPS package handlers earned a mean hourly wage of $23.20 and earned annual salaries that ranged from $34,490 to $52,540, as of May 2009.

References

• USPS: Employment Requirements
• O*Net: Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators: Tasks
• O*Net: Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators: Work Styles
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Wages of Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators