43-9051.00Apprenticeship

Mail Clerks & Mail Machine Operators

Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.

Career Cluster:Management & Entrepreneurship
Job Family:Office and Administrative Support
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Administrative and Support Services
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Technology Tools

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordAdobe Acrobat

Key Tasks

  • Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
  • Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
  • Inspect mail machine output for defects and determine how to eliminate causes of any defects.
  • Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
  • Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
  • Remove from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
  • Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
  • Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
  • Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
  • Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
  • Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
  • Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
  • Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
  • Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
  • Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
  • Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
  • Clear jams in sortation equipment.
  • Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
  • Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
  • Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
  • Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
  • Sell mail products, and accept payment for products and mailing charges.
  • Start machines that automatically feed plates, stencils, or tapes through mechanisms, and observe machine operations to detect any malfunctions.
  • Stamp dates and times of receipt of incoming mail.
  • Add ink, fill paste reservoirs, and change machine ribbons when necessary.
  • Fold letters or circulars and insert them in envelopes.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
50%
Speaking
50%
Time Management
50%
Monitoring
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Coordination
47%
Operation and Control
47%
Writing
47%
Active Listening
47%
Operations Monitoring
47%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Service Orientation
41%
Quality Control Analysis
35%
Mathematics
31%
Active Learning
31%
Complex Problem Solving
31%
Troubleshooting
28%
Systems Analysis
28%
Learning Strategies
28%
Instructing
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Persuasion
22%
Management of Personnel Resources
22%
Equipment Maintenance
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Management of Material Resources
19%
Repairing
19%
Negotiation
19%
Equipment Selection
16%
Programming
13%
Technology Design
6%
Science
3%
Operations Analysis
3%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
71%
English Language
59%
Mathematics
49%
Education and Training
39%
Law and Government
39%
Administrative
38%
Administration and Management
36%
Public Safety and Security
32%
Transportation
27%
Computers and Electronics
25%
Communications and Media
21%
Economics and Accounting
21%
Sales and Marketing
17%
Foreign Language
16%
Telecommunications
16%
Production and Processing
15%
Psychology
12%
Geography
12%
Personnel and Human Resources
10%
Engineering and Technology
8%
Design
7%
Sociology and Anthropology
5%
Mechanical
3%
Philosophy and Theology
3%
Medicine and Dentistry
3%
Building and Construction
3%
Therapy and Counseling
2%
Chemistry
2%
Physics
2%
History and Archeology
1%
Fine Arts
1%
Food Production
0%
Biology
0%

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Abilities

Near Vision
60%
Oral Comprehension
56%
Category Flexibility
53%
Speech Recognition
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Written Comprehension
53%
Information Ordering
53%
Manual Dexterity
53%
Deductive Reasoning
50%
Problem Sensitivity
50%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Oral Expression
50%
Far Vision
47%
Static Strength
47%
Inductive Reasoning
47%
Speech Clarity
47%
Written Expression
47%
Selective Attention
47%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Trunk Strength
44%
Multilimb Coordination
41%
Control Precision
41%
Flexibility of Closure
38%
Rate Control
38%
Extent Flexibility
35%
Visualization
31%
Reaction Time
31%
Time Sharing
31%
Visual Color Discrimination
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Stamina
28%
Mathematical Reasoning
28%
Depth Perception
28%
Dynamic Strength
28%
Wrist-Finger Speed
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Memorization
28%
Response Orientation
28%
Number Facility
28%
Auditory Attention
25%
Fluency of Ideas
25%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Originality
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Explosive Strength
19%
Spatial Orientation
19%
Speed of Limb Movement
19%
Peripheral Vision
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
10%
Night Vision
6%
Sound Localization
6%
Glare Sensitivity
3%

Work Activities

Performing General Physical Activities
69%
Handling and Moving Objects
68%
Getting Information
65%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
65%
Controlling Machines and Processes
63%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
61%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
60%
Processing Information
57%
Working with Computers
57%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
56%
Assisting and Caring for Others
53%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
52%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
51%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
51%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
48%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
47%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
47%
Performing Administrative Activities
47%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
47%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
46%
Training and Teaching Others
46%
Thinking Creatively
45%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
45%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
42%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
41%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
41%
Documenting/Recording Information
41%
Coaching and Developing Others
37%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
35%
Analyzing Data or Information
35%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
35%
Developing and Building Teams
33%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
31%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
30%
Selling or Influencing Others
29%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
29%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
28%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
27%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
23%
Scheduling Work and Activities
18%
Staffing Organizational Units
15%

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

99%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

97%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

93%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

93%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

91%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

87%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

87%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

85%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

84%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

82%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

81%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

78%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

78%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

76%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

75%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

73%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

71%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

68%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

67%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

66%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

62%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

62%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

60%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

60%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

60%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

57%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

55%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

50%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

50%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

49%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

49%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

45%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

35%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

28%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

27%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

26%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

24%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

21%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

19%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

19%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

15%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

13%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

8%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

8%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

8%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

4%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

4%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

4%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

2%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

1%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

1%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

1%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

0%

Less than high school diploma

0%

Associate's degree

0%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

89

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

50

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

20

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

17

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

0

Work Styles

Dependability
72%
Attention to Detail
70%
Integrity
38%
Cautiousness
33%
Cooperation
27%
Stress Tolerance
21%
Self-Control
15%
Perseverance
13%
Achievement Orientation
10%
Humility
6%
Initiative
5%
Sincerity
5%
Self-Confidence
3%
Adaptability
1%
Social Orientation
0%

Work Values

Support
45%
Relationships
22%
Working Conditions
20%
Achievement
17%
Independence
17%
Recognition
11%

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