There are many United States Postal Service employment opportunities beyond sorting and delivering mail. As a multi-billion dollar organization, the postal service also offers meaningful careers in an assortment of technical and administrative areas.
Types of United States Postal Service Employment
The United States Postal Service employment structure contains three main categories that offer hundreds of different positions, most of which require the completion of one or more tests before employment. To get an idea of the types of USPS positions candidates may choose from, check out the partial list below. For additional information about postal service careers, visit Federal Jobs Net.
Wage per Hour Positions
Employees who occupy these positions generally work out of a local facility in customer service, support service, or direct mail-handling capacities.
- Postal Clerk
- Letter Carrier
- Mark-Up Clerk
- Distribution Clerk
- Mail Handler
- Custodian
- General Mechanic
Management Positions
USPS management jobs involve more overall organizational responsibility as well accountability for the smooth operation of each assigned department.
- Branch Postmaster
- Administrative Manager
- Safety Officer
- Foreman of Mail
- Accounting Supervisor
- Customer Service Supervisor
- Labor Relations Representative
- Distribution Manager
Professional or Technical Positions
The technical and professional jobs available through the postal service typically require specialized education. These positions are vital to the everyday operation of all postal service facilities and may lead to a high paying career.
- Electronic Engineer
- Computer Programmer
- Industrial Engineer
- Computer System Analyst
- Stationery Engineer
- Transportation Specialist
- Technical Writer
USPS Employment Information
The USPS is the second largest civilian employer in America with over 650,000 employees. For many, the allure of working for the postal service centers on current employment stability, competitive wages, attractive benefits packages, and career development programs. To help ensure employees receive a fair compensation for their assigned tasks, there are also several union organizations in place.
Benefits and Compensation
The following are benefits and compensation as of 2009.
- Compensation: Alongside its regular wages, the USPS provides a night shift pay differential, a Sunday premium pay increase of 25 percent, overtime pay wages of one and one-half times the hourly rate, and regular increases in salary.
- Paid Leave: USPS employees receive a generous amount of annual vacation leave, which is determined by their length of employment, as well as 13 days of paid annual sick leave.
- Health Insurance: Utilizing the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB), the USPS provides flexible coverage in a variety of insurance plans. The main costs are absorbed by the postal service and the premiums that employees contribute are largely tax-free.
- Life Insurance: USPS provides free basic coverage through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program and provides options for employees to increase their coverage through payroll deduction.
- Retirement and Flexible Spending: Career postal employees looking to retire through the postal service may participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is similar to a 401(k). After one year of employment, these career workers may also enroll in their tax-free Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program.
- Other Benefits: The USPS observes ten annual holidays, and provides Medicare and Social Security coverage to new employees. Workers also receive an annual uniform purchase allowance.
Postal Service Organizations and Programs
- Postal Worker Unions
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- American Postal Workers Union
- National Association of Letter Carriers
- National Postal Mail Handlers Union
- National Rural Letter Carriers Association
- Career Development Programs
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- National Center for Employee Development
- Associate Supervisor Program
- Managerial Leadership Program
- Advanced Leadership Program
Applying for a USPS Job
The easiest way to apply for a postal service job is by visiting the employment page of their website. Here, users can search for a position by location or employment area. Once users locate a position in which they're interested, they must click on that job to view the details and to access an "apply" link. At this point, users will need to create an online account before they can go any further into the application process. Interested parties may also visit their local post office and ask for an application in person. After completing the application process, the postal service will contact candidates with further instructions or they may call to set up a job interview.
