What Is a Mail Sorter and How to Become One
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What Does a Mail Sorter Do?
A mail sorter, also known as a mail handler, oversees the loading, unloading, and sorting of mail. As a mail sorter, your responsibilities and duties include manual processing of mail and operating mail sorting machines. You also sort bulk mail geographically and by postage type, creating batches that move on to the next destination in the sorting and delivery process. As a mail sorter, you will be required to lift large bins and work on your feet for extended periods of time.
How to Become a Mail Sorter
There are no education requirements to become a mail sorter, also known as a mail handler. All United States Postal Service (USPS) positions require candidates to be over 18-years-old, be a U.S. citizen, and pass the Postal Service exam. Drug tests and background checks are required and may be repeated throughout your career. You must complete extensive on-the-job training to gain the skills and knowledge you need to fulfill your responsibilities in this career.
Mail Sorter Job Description Sample
With this Mail Sorter job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Mail Sorter role.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Mail Sorter to join our mailroom team. In this position, you will be responsible for sorting, labeling, and binning all incoming and outgoing mail. You will organize all letters and packages by postage type on destination to make it easier for our team to load mail onto the correct trucks. You need a keen eye for detail, as any mistake can result in the mail going to the wrong location. We will provide you with on-the-job training, but any experience you have working with mail or document sorting is a plus. You may work with larger packages or loads of mail, so forklift experience or experience as a pallet jack driver is beneficial.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Receive, sort, and label all incoming mail
- Organize outgoing mail by postage type and destination
- Move any large packages by hand or pallet jack
- Inspect mail for damage or tampering
Requirements and Qualifications
- 18 years or older
- Reading comprehension
- Computer proficiency
- Eye for detail
- Time management skills
