post-office-counter-clerk/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — post office counter clerk

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-5051.00 (Postal Service Clerks).

Task statements

• [Core] Weigh letters and parcels, compute mailing costs based on type, weight, and destination, and affix correct postage.
• [Core] Obtain signatures from recipients of registered or special delivery mail.
• [Core] Check mail to ensure correct postage and that packages and letters are in proper condition for mailing.
• [Core] Answer questions regarding mail regulations and procedures, postage rates, and post office boxes.
• [Core] Sort incoming and outgoing mail, according to type and destination, by hand or by operating electronic mail-sorting and scanning devices.
• [Core] Transport mail from one work station to another.
• [Supplemental] Keep money drawers in order, and record and balance daily transactions.
• [Supplemental] Register, certify, and insure letters and parcels.
• [Supplemental] Sell and collect payment for products such as stamps, prepaid mail envelopes, and money orders.
• [Supplemental] Complete forms regarding changes of address, or theft or loss of mail, or for special services such as registered or priority mail.
• [Supplemental] Provide assistance to the public in complying with federal regulations of Postal Service and other federal agencies.
• [Supplemental] Cash money orders.
• [Supplemental] Rent post office boxes to customers.
• [Supplemental] Put undelivered parcels away, retrieve them when customers come to claim them, and complete any related documentation.
• [Supplemental] Provide customers with assistance in filing claims for mail theft, or lost or damaged mail.
• [Supplemental] Respond to complaints regarding mail theft, delivery problems, and lost or damaged mail, filling out forms and making appropriate referrals for investigation.
• [Supplemental] Receive letters and parcels, and place mail into bags.
• [Supplemental] Feed mail into postage canceling devices or hand stamp mail to cancel postage.
• [Supplemental] Order retail items and other supplies for office use.

Detailed work activities

• Arrange insurance coverage.
• Assist individuals with paperwork.
• Calculate shipping costs.
• Collect deposits, payments or fees.
• Deliver items.
• Execute sales or other financial transactions.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Load materials or equipment.
• Maintain financial or account records.
• Obtain written authorization to perform activities.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
• Prepare outgoing mail.
• Receive shipments.
• Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
• Respond to customer problems or complaints.
• Sell products or services.
• Sort mail.
• Store items.
• Verify shipping documentation.
• Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs.