Mail Carrier Job Description Template

Mail carrier delivering a box to a happy customer.

It takes a high degree of physical stamina and energy, and an equal measure of organizational skills and attention to detail, to successfully deliver mail to homes and businesses along a route. To find workers with all these qualities, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) typically recruits mail carriers through the USPS web site.

There are two categories of entry-level mail carriers: assistant city carrier and assistant rural carrier. The mail carrier application process for the USPS includes filling out an online application and taking an assessment, typically at a testing center. The number of applicants invited to take the carrier test is typically determined after an initial screening of completed online applications.

Similar positions for private mail and parcel delivery services require the same combination of qualities and are typically advertised using an online mail carrier job description. Unlike USPS carrier positions, which are expected to decline in the years ahead, opportunities for private postal carriers are expected to increase.

The template below can help employers craft a compelling and thorough description to attract mail carrier applicants. For more ideas on what o include in your job post, browse Monster’s postal job listings.

Mail carrier delivering a box to a happy customer.

Mail Carrier

[Intro Paragraph] Begin your mail carrier job description with a concise paragraph or list of bulleted items designed to sell your company or workplace to applicants. Describe the scope of your business, emphasizing the breadth of opportunities for dedicated workers. Emphasize your company’s mission: Delivering mail to individuals and businesses is a vital service, and this will appeal to many potential workers.

Mail Carrier Job Responsibilities:

  • Delivers letters, documents, and parcels to businesses and homes.
  • Travels planned routes on foot or by truck.
  • Collects outgoing mail along route, and when necessary, collects money for postage due.
  • Sorts mail, including packages, according to delivery sequence.
  • Loads sacks and boxes filled with mail onto and off mail truck.
  • Maintains logs to monitor delivery rates and vehicle maintenance scheduling.
  • Obtains signatures on registered, insured, and certified mail.
  • Sells stamps, money orders, and other postal products to customers along route, particularly on rural routes.
  • Communicates with dispatcher and modifies route according to instructions when needed.
  • Answers questions about USPS or company policies from customers along routes.
  • Provides change-of-address cards and other postal forms.
  • Operates postal equipment.

[Work Hours & Benefits] In this section of your mail carrier job description you’ll want to sell the position to potential applicants in a similar way as your first paragraph marketed your workplace to candidates. Mention the position’s salary, benefits, and opportunities for overtime and advancement. To make sure that your salary range is appropriate for your region, use a salary tool that allows you to calculate typical salary by inputting job title and location.

Mail Carrier Qualifications/Skills:

  • Organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Efficiency
  • Physical stamina and strength
  • Integrity and respect for confidentiality and privacy
  • Ability to read and understand English with high degree of proficiency
  • Good communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
  • Depending on route, must be able to lift and carry heavy sacks of mail and walk long distances

Education, Experience, & Licensing Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old, or 16 with a high school diploma
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must have some recent employment status
  • Adequate score on USPS carrier assessment, which will be sent as an email from one of the USPS assessment vendors after candidate has completed their online application
  • Driver’s license and clean driving record if applicable to position desired
  • Must pass background check, drug screening, and medical assessment
  • Must be registered for Selective Service as required by law

[Call to Action] Your mail carrier job description should finish strong with a call to action that urges applicants to fill out an online application.

A Free Job Post Can Help You Use Your Mail Clerk Job Description to Locate Top Candidates

The reliable, efficient candidate you’re looking for is out there. Use your mail carrier job description to address your hiring needs with a free job listing from Monster and get started today.