Postal Service Clerks

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.92
Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.91
Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.91
Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.87
Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.86
Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.86
Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.85
Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.84
Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation.84
Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.83
Respond to complaints regarding mail theft, delivery problems, and lost or damaged mail, filling out forms and making appropriate referrals for investigation.83
Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.82

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Provide assistance to the public in complying with federal regulations of Postal Service and other federal agencies.81
Transport mail from one work station to another.80
Rent post office boxes to customers.80
Provide customers with assistance in filing claims for mail theft, or lost or damaged mail.77
Feed mail into postage canceling devices or hand stamp mail to cancel postage.70
Cash money orders.69
Order retail items and other supplies for office use.69
Stock lobby with retail merchandise.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening60
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.
Speaking56
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Writing47
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving44
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination44
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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Mathematics44
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Learning41
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Instructing25
Teaching others how to do something.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Analysis13
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service74
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.
English Language60
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics59
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administrative51
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Sales and Marketing51
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Computers and Electronics50
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Transportation50
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Administration and Management49
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.
Public Safety and Security48
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.
Production and Processing46
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Education and Training42
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources35
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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Psychology34
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Economics and Accounting33
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mechanical30
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Communications and Media29
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Telecommunications28
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Law and Government26
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Sociology and Anthropology22
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Engineering and Technology21
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Geography19
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Design15
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Philosophy and Theology13
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Physics13
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Chemistry11
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Medicine and Dentistry11
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Building and Construction9
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
History and Archeology5
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Food Production4
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity60
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition60
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension60
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning53
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength53
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

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Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Problem Sensitivity50
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Written Expression47
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Extent Flexibility44
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Static Strength44
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Flexibility of Closure41
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Auditory Attention38
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Multilimb Coordination38
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Stamina38
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Control Precision31
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Memorization31
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization28
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Fluency of Ideas25
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality25
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Explosive Strength16
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time16
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Glare Sensitivity6
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Response Orientation6
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information75
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public75
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates71
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards71
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Handling and Moving Objects68
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Working with Computers67
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Processing Information66
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization65
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships65
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge65
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information62
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others60
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems60
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing General Physical Activities58
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Selling or Influencing Others58
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work57
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings56
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People54
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others51
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Analyzing Data or Information50
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Training and Teaching Others50
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information48
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Performing Administrative Activities48
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others46
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others44
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams44
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials43
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Coaching and Developing Others40
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Controlling Machines and Processes39
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Thinking Creatively39
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Assisting and Caring for Others38
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources35
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Scheduling Work and Activities35
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates33
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing Objectives and Strategies32
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment31
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Staffing Organizational Units26
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment22
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment19
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment14
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability82
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail80
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity66
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cooperation52
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Cautiousness51
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Self-Control48
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation43
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Stress Tolerance38
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Optimism33
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Perseverance26
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Sincerity26
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy24
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

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Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Achievement Orientation22
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence20
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Adaptability10
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative4
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional93
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 human resources.
Realistic37
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising29
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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social26
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.
Artistic0
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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative0
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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others90%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important78%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day86%
- Never13%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually52%
- More than half the time34%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important55%
- Very important26%
- Important11%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)39%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)54%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important56%
- Very important17%
- Fairly important13%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day47%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important44%
- Very important24%
- Important18%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually37%
- More than half the time31%
- About half the time25%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually65%
- Less than half the time11%
- Never18%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day62%
- Never21%

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Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day57%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never20%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day66%
- Never24%
Time Pressure
- Every day62%
- Never26%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours31%
- 40 hours66%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results30%
- Important results25%
- Moderate results29%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day48%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never14%
Conflict Situations
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never15%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually17%
- More than half the time32%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time30%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never36%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom23%
- Some freedom23%
- Limited freedom21%
- No freedom24%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important34%
- Important16%
- Not important at all37%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility27%
- High responsibility13%
- Limited responsibility33%
- No responsibility17%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility29%
- Moderate responsibility14%
- Limited responsibility28%
- No responsibility21%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom16%
- Some freedom26%
- Limited freedom12%
- Very little freedom26%
- No freedom20%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually21%
- About half the time26%
- Less than half the time24%
- Never21%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Never47%
E-Mail
- Every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never42%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated59%
- Not at all automated22%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never40%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious12%
- Serious23%
- Fairly serious24%
- Not serious at all38%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never54%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive18%
- Slightly competitive21%
- Not at all competitive45%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never39%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never59%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never62%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time61%
- Never26%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day24%
- Never71%
Public Speaking
- Every day16%
- Never69%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time42%
- Never44%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day11%
- Never71%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day15%
- Never76%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day15%
- Never78%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important12%
- Fairly important17%
- Not important at all61%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never74%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never64%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never74%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never76%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time29%
- Never62%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)22%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)78%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never88%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never93%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never86%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never91%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never92%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Accounting software
Budgeting software
Point of sale POS software
NCR Advanced Store
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Delivery operations information system DOIS
Human resources software
Time and Attendance Collection System TACS
Time accounting software
Electronic Time Clock ETC
Inventory management software
Inventory tracking software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Sell products or services.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Calculate shipping costs.
Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs.
Maintain financial or account records.
Verify shipping documentation.
Arrange insurance coverage.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Prepare outgoing mail.
Sort mail.
Receive shipments.
Store items.

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Obtain written authorization to perform activities.
Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Assist individuals with paperwork.
Deliver items.
Load materials or equipment.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Post Office Clerk

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology