How to Become a Postal Relief Worker

Postal relief workers assist the regular staff at the post office.

Postal relief workers assist the United States Post Office by filling in for regular mail carriers or postmasters. You do not have to complete any tests when you apply as a postal relief worker but you do have to be over 18 and have a high school diploma. Working as a postal relief worker is one way to help you decide if you would like a career in the U.S. Post Office. It's also a well-paid part-time job.

Instructions

1. Travel to your local United States Post Office and ask if they are hiring temporary workers. If they say no ask if they know of any other post offices in the areas that are hiring. Request a job application for a USPS temporary rural carrier and an application for a postmaster relief position even if the post office is not currently hiring.

2. Bring the application home and fill it out completely. Attach any required documents, such as a local police clearance. Return your application to the post office.

3. 

   Take the drug test to prove that you have not taken any illegal drugs.

   Register for a drug screening. The Post Office requires that all applicants pass a drug screening test. These are normally performed at one of the larger post offices in the bathroom stall with a post office official present.

4. 

   Attend the job interview with the post office.

   Schedule a job interview and attend the interview with the post office. Request that your local post office send a copy of your application to other post offices that are hiring in the area so you can interview with them.

5. 

   Go to your scheduled physical to prove you can work for the Post Office.

   Attend the required physical to obtain a post office job. This physical includes a series of questions and depending on your answers you will be required to provide information from your doctor stating you are able to work. Pass the physical and you can work for the Post Office as a relief worker.

6. 

   Train to deliver mail.

   Receive training by attending the United States Post Office job orientation. This class takes eight hours a day for a week. You are paid for any training that you attend. Attend any other required training that the post office schedules.

7. Schedule time with the Postmaster to train on local routes. You will learn all the requirements before you start working as a relief worker.

8. Attend your first day of work when the Postmaster decides you are ready. You will then fill in for the regular postal workers whenever they are on vacation or sick. You will also fill in during the holiday season and when the post office has extra work.

References

• Post Office Jobs: Temporary Positions
• United States Postal Services: Employment Forms
• Federal Jobs: Post Office Jobs

Resources

• United States Postal Services: FAQ
• United States Department of Labor: Postal Service Mail Carriers