Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Human Advantage 64%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.8 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
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.
Also Known As: Addressing Machine Operator, Addressograph Operator, Advertising Inserter, Canceling Machine Operator, Dead Mail Checker, Direct Mail Clerk, Direct Mail Coordinator, Distribution Clerk +57 more
Core Tasks
- Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
- Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
- Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
- 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.
- Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
- Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
- Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
Supplemental Tasks (18)
- 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 from machines printed materials, such as labeled articles, postmarked envelopes or tape, and folded sheets.
- Release packages or letters to customers upon presentation of written notices or other identification.
- Operate computer-controlled keyboards or voice recognition equipment to direct items according to established routing schemes.
- Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
- Lift and unload containers of mail or parcels onto equipment for transportation to sortation stations.
- Contact delivery or courier services to arrange delivery of letters and parcels.
- Place incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and place identifying tags on sacks or bins.
- Clear jams in sortation equipment.
- Mail merchandise samples or promotional literature in response to requests.
- Adjust guides, rollers, loose card inserters, weighing machines, and tying arms, using rules and hand tools.
- Read production orders to determine types and sizes of items scheduled for printing and mailing.
- 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.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
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.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (14)
Tools & Equipment (32)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Leadership & Operations Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service You are here
Zone 3
Facilities Managers 78% match
Zone 4
Quality Control Systems Managers 77% match
Zone 5
Chief Sustainability Officers 75% match
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