How Does a Post Office Worker Spend the Workday?

What Positions can a Postal Office Worker Hold?

A post office worker carries out duties defined by the United States Postal Service. They sell postage materials and help customers with their shipping needs. Others sort through the millions of pieces of mail that pass through post offices daily. Carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses six days a week, except on holidays. And administrative and management workers keep each post office branch running smoothly.

What are the daily duties of a Post Office Worker?

Postal workers arrive at the post office early to punch a time clock and plan out their schedule for the day. Some take their place behind the front counter of the post office to help customers buy stamps and ship packages. The postal worker will weigh items, collect payment and then drop the item to be mailed into a bin to be shipped out by the next business day. They'll also sell stamps. Sorters will separate mail by ZIP code and package size and weight, placing each piece of mail in designated bins. Then they'll sort by address. This is where carriers with designated routes come into play. The mail carrier will place the mail into a mailbox, either on foot or from the right passenger's side door or window of their Postal Service vehicle. Many mail carriers begin their day at 6 a.m. and finish by 5 p.m. Some mail sorters and carriers who drive mail trucks to other postal locations work all hours of the day and night. Administrative postal workers fulfill office duties and handle customer inquiries and complaints throughout the day, and will also oversee other postal workers.

How do Post Office Workers help Consumers?

Post office workers help consumers by adhering to the highest standards set forth by the United States government. All letters and packages for which they are responsible must be kept safe, confidential and be delivered on time.

Resources

• United States Postal Office