Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators Go Back to List Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks; and other duties related to mail handling within the postal service.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Data base user interface and query software

Tasks
	Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.
	Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.
	Train new workers.
	Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.
	Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.
	Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.
	Clear jams in sorting 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.
	Open and label mail containers.
	Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.

Skills
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Knowledge
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $57,566.00 $27.67  $20.02  $20.82 - $33.92  Bridgeport/Stamford $57,246.00 $27.52  $19.70  $20.00 - $33.92  Hartford $57,246.00 $27.52  $20.01  $20.82 - $33.92  New Haven $60,139.00 $28.91  $20.79  $23.24 - $33.92  Waterbury $54,023.00 $25.98  $19.02  $20.00 - $33.35

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   98   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.