What Education Do You Need to Be a Mailman?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 343,000 postal service carriers were employed by the U.S. Postal Service in 2008, with the majority working in cities. Mailmen get attractive wages and benefits for their level of education and can be part-time or full-time employees. As a result, these positions are competitive and desirable for prospective employees. Applicants typically can wait up to 2 years to receive employment after taking the postal service exam.
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Requirements for Postal Service Mail Carrier Positions
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Mailmen do not have to have any specific education. They are, however, required to have a fluent command of the English language, be 18 years of age and have U.S. citizenship prior to applying for a position. Applicants have to take and pass an exam administered by the U.S. Postal Service. The exam tests for the ability of the applicant to sort through streets, names and distribution procedures. Veterans receive extra points on the exam.
Job Outlook for Postal Service Mail Carriers
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The number of postal carrier positions are not expected to increase through 2018. As a result, the competition for such positions is expected to be high. The highest number of positions are in areas where there is significant population growth. Additional part-time work is often available during the holiday season due to increased mail volumes during that time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 1 percent decline in the total number of postal service mail carrier positions by 2018.
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On-the-Job Duties
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Mail carriers travel by foot or via a vehicle on a specific mail route. They are required to carry heavy bags of mail throughout the day. Mailmen may also collect different types of fees and ask for signatures for special mail services. Mailmen need to know postal regulations in case customers have questions. They also carry various forms such as the change of address form at all times so customers can fill them out on the spot. Rural postal carriers may have additional duties such as the ability to insure parcels and sell stamps.
Training and Advancement
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Mailmen are given on-the-job training when they start. They may be given special instruction on safe driving techniques. Training specialists train employees on new and special procedures. Part-time employees can advance to full-time positions as they gain seniority and positions become available. Full-time employees can sign up for preferred routes and apply for supervisor positions as they gain seniority.
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