Mail Clerk (Non-Postal)

Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Insert Operator; Inserter Operator; Mail Clerk; Mail Handler; Mail Machine Operator; Mail Processor; Mail Sorter; Mailing Equipment Operator; Mailroom Processor; Postal Clerk

Tasks

• Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
• Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
• Clear jams in sortation equipment.
• Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
• Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
• Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
• Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
• Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
• Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
• Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.
• Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
• Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
• Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
• Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
• Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Speech Recognition
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Arm-Hand Steadiness