Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

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.

Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.89
Clear jams in sorting equipment.86
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.86
Bundle, label, and route sorted mail to designated areas, depending on destinations and according to established procedures and deadlines.85
Operate various types of equipment, such as computer scanning equipment, addressographs, mimeographs, optical character readers, and bar-code sorters.84
Move containers of mail, using equipment, such as forklifts and automated "trains".82
Open and label mail containers.82
Load and unload mail trucks, sometimes lifting containers of mail onto equipment that transports items to sorting stations.81
Sort odd-sized mail by hand, sort mail that other workers have been unable to sort, and segregate items requiring special handling.78
Distribute incoming mail into the correct boxes or pigeonholes.78
Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.77
Train new workers.76

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Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.75
Cancel letter or parcel post stamps by hand.69

Skills

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

Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening47
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.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring47
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Operation and Control44
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving38
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Service Orientation38
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Writing31
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning28
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Troubleshooting28
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Evaluation22
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation19
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Equipment Maintenance16
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Analysis13
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Repairing10
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Financial Resources0
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources0
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Technology Design0
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Knowledge

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

English Language51
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Production and Processing37
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service35
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.
Administrative31
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Administration and Management29
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 Security27
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.
Transportation27
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Computers and Electronics23
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training20
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics19
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Personnel and Human Resources18
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Communications and Media17
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

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Telecommunications16
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting15
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government14
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Geography11
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.
Psychology11
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.
Sociology and Anthropology11
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Mechanical9
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Therapy and Counseling8
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Engineering and Technology7
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.
Philosophy and Theology6
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.
Sales and Marketing5
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.
Medicine and Dentistry4
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.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry3
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.
Food Production3
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Foreign Language3
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.
Physics3
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.
Building and Construction2
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Design2
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
History and Archeology2
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts0
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.

Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Manual Dexterity60
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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).
Multilimb Coordination53
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.
Perceptual Speed53
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.
Static Strength53
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Written Comprehension53
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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.
Oral Comprehension50
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

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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.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Trunk Strength50
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 Steadiness47
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision47
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Extent Flexibility47
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision41
The ability to see details at a distance.
Reaction Time38
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Written Expression38
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Dynamic Strength35
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Flexibility of Closure35
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Stamina35
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed35
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity31
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Rate Control31
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.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
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).
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Response Orientation25
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.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Originality22
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.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility19
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength13
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Spatial Orientation6
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Night Vision3
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision3
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Handling and Moving Objects70
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities70
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.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates69
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information63
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships58
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events55
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Controlling Machines and Processes52
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Processing Information52
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings50
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Working with Computers50
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge49
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems48
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

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Coaching and Developing Others47
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People44
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others43
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Documenting/Recording Information41
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards41
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information40
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Assisting and Caring for Others40
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others40
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials40
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work40
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others39
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others39
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams31
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment31
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others30
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information29
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing Objectives and Strategies27
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Thinking Creatively27
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment25
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 Equipment24
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Scheduling Work and Activities24
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Performing Administrative Activities22
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization20
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.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates20
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public20
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment15
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.
Staffing Organizational Units11
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources9
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others9
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Work Styles

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

Attention to Detail80
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability76
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity46
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness32
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Stress Tolerance32
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance28
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Cooperation22
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Adaptability21
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Control20
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Achievement Orientation18
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.
Initiative6
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence2
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Sincerity2
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Conventional82
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.
Realistic60
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.
Social14
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.
Enterprising11
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.
Investigative9
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.
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.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day100%
Time Pressure
- Every day88%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually66%
- More than half the time26%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually80%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day84%
- Never15%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually49%
- More than half the time39%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day74%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day65%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important43%
- Very important31%
- Important16%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important48%
- Very important16%
- Important28%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important56%
- Very important16%
- Not important at all15%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others42%
- Contact with others most of the time28%
- Occasional contact with others12%

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Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually35%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time25%
Degree of Automation
- Completely automated24%
- Highly automated51%
- Not at all automated12%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important42%
- Very important22%
- Important16%
- Not important at all18%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually44%
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time26%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours37%
- 40 hours59%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day58%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never25%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)24%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)29%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)27%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)13%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Never21%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day46%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never25%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom20%
- Some freedom32%
- Very little freedom33%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom15%
- Some freedom33%
- Limited freedom17%
- Very little freedom18%
- No freedom17%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility35%
- Moderate responsibility13%
- Limited responsibility43%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results22%
- Important results26%
- Moderate results13%
- Minor results16%
- No results22%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important21%
- Very important18%
- Important26%
- Not important at all24%
Conflict Situations
- Every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never16%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never39%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive37%
- Slightly competitive23%
- Not at all competitive23%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility23%
- Limited responsibility37%
- No responsibility20%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day34%
- Never56%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time43%
- Never21%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never49%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious13%
- Serious20%
- Fairly serious17%
- Not serious at all41%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never60%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never53%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day20%
- Never67%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day17%
- Never74%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time46%
- Never37%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time31%
- Never53%
E-Mail
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never70%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never70%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never74%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Not important at all83%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never89%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never93%
Public Speaking
- Never84%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)11%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)89%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never81%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never80%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never96%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never98%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never92%
Exposed to High Places
- Never95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never98%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

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

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Delivery operations information system DOIS, SAP software
Data base user interface and query software
Address Management System AMS, Directory software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Multi-line optical character reader OCR software
Point of sale POS software
NCR Advanced Store
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base management system software
Teradata Database
Human resources software
Time and Attendance Collection System TACS
Time accounting software
Electronic Time Clock ETC
Map creation software
Delivery Routing System DRS
Inventory management software
Automated Package Processing System APPS
Bar coding software
Barcode reader 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.

Route mail to correct destinations.
Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.
Verify shipping documentation.
Package objects for shipping.
Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Attach identification information to products, items or containers.
Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
Load materials or equipment.
Unload materials or equipment.
Sort mail.
Distribute incoming mail.
Train personnel.

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Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants.
Prepare outgoing mail.

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