Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators — Tasks

Task statements

• Clear jams in sorting equipment.
• Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
• Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.
• Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.
• Check items to ensure that addresses are legible and correct, that sufficient postage has been paid or the appropriate documentation is attached, and that items are in a suitable condition for processing.
• Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.
• Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains".
• Open and label mail containers.
• Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations.
• Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.
• Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.
• Train new workers.
• Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.
• Cancel letter or parcel post stamps by hand.