postal-career

Rewarding Postal Career Paths Start Here

Postal careers include delivery, processing, handling and customer-service opportunities. Each role comes with a different work environment, daily routine and set of responsibilities. Explore the common starting positions below to identify the path that best matches your strengths and preferences.

Openings, schedules, pay, benefits, requirements and assessments vary by position, location and official job posting.

City Mail Carrier

DEPARTMENT

Customer Service / Delivery

City Mail Carriers deliver and collect mail and packages within urban and suburban communities. The role may involve walking or driving assigned routes, working outdoors in changing weather and interacting with customers throughout the day.

  • Suitable for people who enjoy active outdoor work
  • May involve walking, driving, lifting and route organization
  • Schedules can vary according to operational needs
  • Driving, eligibility and physical requirements are listed in the official posting

Rural Mail Carrier

DEPARTMENT

Customer Service / Delivery

Rural Mail Carriers serve less densely populated communities and often work independently along assigned routes. Depending on the role and location, the official posting may require use of a suitable personal vehicle.

      • Suitable for applicants comfortable working independently
      • May involve long routes and changing road conditions
      • Vehicle and mileage arrangements vary by posting
      • Schedule and employment status depend on the available position

Mail Handler

DEPARTMENT

Processing / Distribution

Mail Handlers work inside postal facilities and help keep mail moving through the distribution network. Daily responsibilities may include loading, unloading, separating, transporting and organizing mail and packages.

  • Physically active indoor work
  • May involve lifting and moving containers or packages
  • Day, evening, overnight, weekend or holiday shifts may be available
  • Specific physical requirements are stated in each official posting

Mail Processor

DEPARTMENT

Processing / Distribution

Mail Processors help sort and prepare incoming and outgoing mail. They may operate automated processing equipment, perform manual sorting and complete related distribution tasks in a fast-paced environment.

    • Good fit for detail-focused applicants
    • May involve standing and repetitive processing tasks
    • Accuracy and speed are important
    • Schedules and requirements vary by facility and posting

Window Clerk

DEPARTMENT

Customer Service / Retail

Window Clerks assist customers with postal products and services. Responsibilities may include helping with mailing needs, processing transactions, answering questions and maintaining an organized customer-service area.

      • Best suited to applicants who enjoy working with the public
      • May involve cash handling and retail responsibilities
      • Accuracy, communication and customer service are important
      • Training and role requirements vary by official posting

Not Sure Which Position Is Right for You?

Postal Career Guide helps you compare common role types, understand what each position may involve and prepare for the next steps in your postal career journey.

Begin Your Postal Career Now

Choose a direction, understand the process and take your next step with access to organized career-preparation support.

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