Career:
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Job Description: Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Use hand or mail handling machines to 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.

Is Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service the right career path for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!


What Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Services do:

  • Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
  • Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
  • Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.
  • Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
  • Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
  • Clear jams in sortation equipment.
  • Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
  • Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
  • Remove from machines printed materials such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
  • Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
  • Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
  • Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
  • Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
  • Inspect mail machine output for defects; determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
  • Remove containers of sorted mail/parcels, and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
  • Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
  • Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
  • Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
  • Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
  • Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
  • Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
  • Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations in order to detect any malfunctions.
  • Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.
  • Insert material for printing or addressing into loading racks on machines, select type or die sizes, and position plates, stencils, or tapes in machine magazines.
  • Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment in order to direct items according to established routing schemes.
  • Use equipment such as forklifts and automated "trains" to move containers of mail.
  • Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
  • Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.
  • Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.

    • View More...

Share:

What work activities does a Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service do?

Importance Activities

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
View More...

Share:


Find YOUR college major

The fastest way toward knowing if Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service is the career for you is to take this quiz to find your college major and career recommendations.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Password*


Register

Share: