Mail Carrier Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Mail Carrier, or Mailman, is responsible for delivering letters and packages to commercial and residential areas along a particular route. Their duties include sorting and processing mail at a post office, collecting packages and return mail from drop-off points and traveling by car, bicycle or on foot to take each piece of mail to its intended destination.

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Mail Carrier Duties and Responsibilities

In particular, Mail Carriers are responsible for:

  • Helping to sort and prepare the mail for delivery
  • Deliver mail to mail boxes, receptacles and other designated areas
  • Retrieve outgoing mail from businesses and residences
  • Collecting of monies for COD’s (Cash on Delivery) as well as mail marked “postage due”
  • Obtain signatures from customers for all mail that is registered, insured or certified
  • Lifting, carrying and delivering heavy bags of mail as well as packages of all sizes and leaving notices for packages that are undeliverable
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Mail Carrier Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

St. Barnabas is hiring for a part-time Mail Carrier! The shifts are Monday and Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm.

Essential Duties as Mail Carrier:

  • Deliver mail to multiple locations numerous times a day - Gibsonia, Valencia, and Beaver on Tuesdays
  • Post office pick-up and delivery
  • Copy room work and sorting incoming mail
  • A car is provided

    Requirements of Mail Carrier:

  • Must have a valid PA driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to carry at least 25 lbs.

    Feel free to call/text Maria Finley for more details: (412) 930-5169

    Valuable Benefits We Offer You:

  • Generous Compensation
  • Paid Time Off and Sick Time
  • Attendance bonuses
  • Lucrative Referral bonuses: Work with friends!
  • Professionally managed 401(k) and profit sharing
  • Versatile Health, Dental, and Vision insurance options – available to you the month after hire!
  • Virtual medicine services available through Teladoc
  • Generous Medical Center and dental discount services for employees and families
  • Paid orientation and training with co-worker mentors
  • Discounted meals
  • Employee discounts and perks (auto services, thrift shop items, etc.)
  • College Tuition Benefit program
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) provided
  • Beautiful buildings and grounds
  • Secure work environment
  • Free Parking at every location
  • Award winning services

    Start Your Career with St. Barnabas Health System!

    You will work at one of Pennsylvania’s largest healthcare systems with a rich history and trusted name. Well-managed and compassionate, we were established in 1900 on the foundation of providing quality care of aging adults regardless of their financial status. You will work with a growing company that has locations found in Allegheny, Butler, and Beaver County.

    St. Barnabas has a lot to be proud of and we believe we show it in the quality of our facilities and care provided! In 2021, we were voted Best of the Best Retirement Living, Best of the Best Nursing Home, and Finalist for Best of the Best Nonprofit by Trib Total Media Readers.

    You can be successful and a proud member of the St. Barnabas team! St. Barnabas believes that you, as one of our employees, will be one of our best resources and the heart of our organization. You can make the decision to embark on a rewarding career where you will be respected and play an individualized and integral role in carrying out our historic mission.

    Start a dynamic career where you will earn great pay and feel good about what you do!

    St. Barnabas Health System is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or affectional preference, or gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.*

    This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

    Any employee who believes that he/she has been the victim of discrimination should immediately report the incident to the Corporate Compliance Officer or Director of Human Resources.

    Job Type: Part-time

    Benefits:
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    License/Certification:
  • Driver's License Location: Multiple Locations
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    Example 2

    Rapidly expanding USPS contract delivery company is seeking a hard working, motivated, honest and trustworthy individual to add to it's team of sub-contracted mail carriers.

    As a contract postal carrier you will be responsible for daily operations of an assigned mail route. The carrier will partner with the branch manager, other carriers and USPS management staff to facilitate mail delivery to the route's residents. Pay is via 1099 direct deposit.

    Specific Duties Include:
  • -Sorting of mail
  • -Delivery of mail (letters, magazines, packages, etc.)
  • -Meeting all USPS postal regulations for carriers
  • -Following safety protocols
  • -Learning assigned Route, Memorizing customer names, addresses and line of travel

    To be considered for this position you must meet the requirements below:
  • Previous USPS experience is preferred
  • -Clean driving record (no accidents or violations) driver's abstract/record will be required for interview.
  • -Clean background (no arrests, convictions or criminal background of any sort.)
  • -Ability to lift heavy objects repeatedly when required
  • Ability to memorize information (addresses, resident names, etc.)
  • Reliable transportation
  • Teamwork mentality
  • Customer Focus
  • Ability to work all required days (US mail runs Monday-Saturday)

    This is a great opportunity for retired postal employees or anyone who meets the criteria above. Our business is rapidly expanding and the right candidate will have opportunity for advancement and increased earning potential.

    If you are interested, please email your resume' for review. The position is currently available and we are looking to hire and have the candidate start immediately.

    Thank you!

    Work Remotely
  • No

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

    Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

    Experience:
  • Mail Delivery/USPS: 1 year (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • Florida Drivers License Location: One location
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    Example 3

    ABOUT THE Company
    Ameritrans Express LLC, one of the nation's leaders in Contract Delivery Service for the United States Postal Service, is currently seeking mail delivery applicants for Stuart, Va.
    JOB Description, Duties & Responsibilities
    USPS mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses in cities, towns, and rural areas. They travel planned routes, collecting and delivering mail, obtaining signatures, and answering customer questions about postal regulations and services. Delivery occurs regardless of the weather, although schedules may be delayed

  • Sorting mail in delivery sequence for active mailboxes.
  • Loading mail and parcels in delivery sequence into a delivery vehicle.
  • Delivering mail to customer boxes along an assigned line-of-travel.
  • Dismounting if required to deliver parcels, Express Mail, and other accountable mail items.
  • Other administrative duties as required.

    Requirements

  • Must have legal documentation to work in the United States
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must be able to lift 70 lbs regularly
  • Must be able to work and drive in all types of weather conditions
  • Must pass a Postal Inspection Service criminal background check and drug test (to include screening for marijuana)
  • Must be a fast learner, able to pay close attention to detail and work independently after 4 days of training.
  • Must reside in close proximity to Stuart, Va.

    Preferred Qualifications:

  • Route delivery/ unloading experience
  • Former USPS, UPS, FedEx employees

    Must be available to start immediately

  • Work Schedule: Full-Time: Available to be scheduled Monday - Saturday
  • Hours: 7:00 AM until route is finished [approximately
  • 6 hours]
  • Pay-rate: $18.73 per hour plus Full Time Benefits
  • Delivery Vehicle Provided
  • Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 retirement & Vacation
  • 10 Paid Holiday's [Government Holidays observed]

    Job Type: $18.73 per hour
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    Example 4

    ABOUT THE Company

    Ameritrans Express LLC, one of the nation's leaders in Contract Delivery Service for the United States Postal Service, is currently seeking mail delivery applicants for Stuart, Va.

    JOB Description, Duties & Responsibilities

    USPS mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses in cities, towns, and rural areas. They travel planned routes, collecting and delivering mail, obtaining signatures, and answering customer questions about postal regulations and services. Delivery occurs regardless of the weather, although schedules may be delayed
  • Sorting mail in delivery sequence for active mailboxes.
  • Loading mail and parcels in delivery sequence into a delivery vehicle.
  • Delivering mail to customer boxes along an assigned line-of-travel.
  • Dismounting if required to deliver parcels, Express Mail, and other accountable mail items.
  • Other administrative duties as required.

    Requirements
  • Must have legal documentation to work in the United States
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Must be able to lift 70 lbs regularly
  • Must be able to work and drive in all types of weather conditions
  • Must pass a Postal Inspection Service criminal background check and drug test (to include screening for marijuana)
  • Must be a fast learner, able to pay close attention to detail and work independently after 4 days of training.
  • Must reside in close proximity to Stuart, Va.

    Preferred Qualifications:
  • Route delivery/ unloading experience
  • Former USPS, UPS, FedEx employees

    Must be available to start immediately
  • Work Schedule: Full-Time: Available to be scheduled Monday - Saturday
  • Hours: 7:00 AM until route is finished [approximately
  • 6 hours]
  • Pay-rate: $18.73 per hour plus Full Time Benefits
  • Delivery Vehicle Provided
  • Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 retirement & Vacation
  • 10 Paid Holiday's [Government Holidays observed]

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $18.73 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • No nights
  • Year round Location: One location
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    What Does a Mail Carrier Do?

    Mail Carriers work for federal and private mail delivery services to reliably deliver parcels and letters from the sender to the recipient safely and in a timely manner. They plan out efficient mail routes and prepare mail bags by organizing letters based on where along the route they are going. Mail Carriers systematically load packages onto mail trucks and secure fragile packages to protect their contents. They identify which packages need a signature to confirm delivery and post notices if the recipient is not home instructing them on how to receive their package.

    Mail Carrier Skills and Qualifications 

    There are many skills a Mail Carrier would benefit from, including:

    • Interpersonal communication: Since they must interact with an array of employees, managers and patrons each day, Mail Carriers must be friendly and skills in written and verbal communication. 
    • Strength and stamina: Mail Carriers must deliver mail in all types of weather. They must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time, while also carriers heavy bags and packages. 
    • Ability to work alone: Although they do interact with many people throughout the day, Mail Carriers must be highly comfortable working alone. 
    • Ethics: Given that Mail Carriers are tasked with handling an array of valuables and sensitive information, they must be highly ethical. 
    • Reliability: The timely delivery of mail and packages is important for an array of reasons. Therefore, Mail Carriers must be highly reliable. 

    Mail Carrier Salary Expectations

    The average Mail Carrier makes $19.06 an hour. This amount can depend on their level of experience, the area they have been assigned to and the hours they work. Additionally, since overtime is so common, the average postal worker makes $6,667 a year in overtime pay. The typical tenure for a Mail Carrier is one to three years. 

    Mail Carrier Education and Training Requirements

    The position of postal carrier is limited to U.S. citizens, citizens of U.S. territories, as well as permanent resident aliens. While 16-year-old high school students are occasionally hired, the average Mail Carrier is 18 years of age with a diploma or G.E.D. Additionally, mail-carriers must past an exam that tests their general knowledge of Mail-Carrier procedures as well as assess their attention to detail. Once they have passed the exam and acquired the position, they must pass a drug test and physical exam. They must also pass a background check and have a safe driving record. 

    Mail Carrier Experience Requirements

    In general, most Mail Carriers begin their careers as part-time employees. They then go on to become full-time employees and make bids for preferred routes, which are awarded based on the availability of positions, seniority as well as general skill level. They also have advancement programs that allow them to become eligible for supervisory positions in the future. 

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

    If you aren’t looking for a Mail Carrier, consider these job descriptions for similar positions:

    Ready to Hire a Mail Carrier? Build a Mail Carrier Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Mail Carriers

     

    What should you look for on a Mail Carrier resume?

    A Mail Carrier’s resume should emphasize their reliability and dedication. They should be able to accurately and reliably complete competitive tasks and be able to complete their route regardless of the weather. Their resume should also highlight their driving skills and ability to navigate. Experience in administrative roles or other jobs where they have to stay organized can indicate a top candidate.

     

    What makes a good Mail Carrier?

    Good Mail Carriers enjoy having a routine in their job and getting to know the people along their route. While some Mail Carriers handle multiple routes, many Mail Carriers dedicate themselves to a single specific mail route, allowing them to make fewer mistakes or accidental deliveries. Successful Mail Carriers are detail-oriented, helping them avoid common mistakes such as delivering a package to a similarly named street. Good Mail Carriers are highly organized, able to quickly locate a specific letter or package when they arrive at a particular destination.

     

    How many hours a day do Mail Carriers work?

    Mail Carriers generally work during regular business hours eight hours a day, delivering mail every day of the week except for Sunday. In some areas, Mail Carriers only work five days a week and do not deliver any mail on Saturday or Sunday. Mail Carriers often work overtime during busy mail seasons such as Mothers’ Day and Christmas to deliver all packages on time by the intended date. Some Mail Carriers work shorts or longer days depending on their route and the volume of mail each day.

     

    What is the difference between a Mail Carrier and a Delivery Driver?

    Mail Carriers specifically deliver packages that have been shipped to a third party, acting as an intermediary between two people. The work for the U.S. Postal Service or a shipping company. Delivery Drivers can work for shipping distributors or as employees of a retailer or restaurant. People use Mail Carriers to transport packages to another person, while they use Delivery Drivers to have consumer goods delivered to their own home from a store. For example, many restaurants have Delivery Drivers to bring people food and furniture stores have in-house delivery to take large items to a customer’s home.

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