Chapter 1:  Hiring, Employment Requirements & Job Details

About the New Hiring Process You can now apply for jobs and take exams anytime you want. You are no longer forced to wait months or years for the next testing event. Under the new system, there is no such thing as test dates anymore. And you do not apply for an exam; you apply for a job. They schedule you to take an exam as you apply for the job, and you must take the exam within several days.

The new system is far more convenient but a nightmare to use. The instructions are confusing, and some functions simply do not work because of glitches and posting errors. The good news is that, after extensive research and experimenting, we found ways to get around these obstacles and to trick the functions into working for you.

Employment Requirements  Almost anyone can meet the Postal employment requirements given below.

• Must be 18 years old or 16 years old with a high school diploma

• Must be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of American

Samoa or other U.S. territory

• Must have recent employment history

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and medical assessment

• Must have a safe driving record if applicable to the position

• Must be registered with Selective Service if applicable

Career Benefits 

Great benefits are one of the big advantages of a Postal job. Below is a general recap of benefits that come with a full-time career position. Some entry level and non-career positions come with partial benefits. Each job posting provides details on benefits, if any, that come with that particular position.

• Career employees are offered excellent health insurance coverage with most of

the cost paid by the Postal Service.

• Career employees have access to the federal retirement program which

provides a defined benefit annuity at normal retirement age as well as

disability coverage.

• In addition, career employees can choose to make tax deferred contributions to a Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401k retirement plans). Employees may be

eligible for matching contributions from the Postal Service, subject to certain

limitations.

• Newly hired employees are covered by Social Security and Medicare.

• Basic life insurance coverage is provided free of charge.  Employees have the

option to purchase additional coverage.

• Career employees are eligible to participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program after one year of service. Tax-free FSA contributions can be used

to cover many out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses.

• A generous vacation and sick leave program is available to career employees. Depending upon the employee’s length of service, vacation leave can range

from 13 to 26 days per year. Full-time employees earn 13 days of sick leave per

year.

• In addition to vacation and sick leave, employees are granted 10 days of holiday leave per year on holidays observed by the federal government.

Sequence of Events  The job search, application, testing, and hiring process consists of six basics steps that are recapped briefly below and that are discussed in detail in the various chapters of this guide.

1.Choose a Job (Chapter 1)

There are a number of positions, and all carry odd names. Before you can search for open postings or apply for a job, you need to identify what job(s) you want. Some people are willing to take almost any available job. If you fit into that category, you at least need to determine what positions you are qualified for based upon the job description and requirements.

2. Search Open Job Postings (Chapter 2)

Most people want to see what jobs are available in their area before going through the challenging registration and application process. This sounds simple enough, but the job search function is so problematic that it is virtually impossible to find all the postings without help.

3. Create an Account (Chapter 3)

Creating your account/profile is a lengthy and bewildering process. You are forced to make guesses in a number of sections … am I supposed to fill this part out and if so what exactly are they asking for … what attachments, if any, am I supposed to include … what are KSAs, and what specific KSAs apply to the job I want … and so on. Fortunately, with guidance this project can be made into to a manageable task.

4. Apply (Chapter 4)

The long application is a challenge due to conflicting and incomplete instructions. You are again forced to make guesses in several sections … is a cover letter an option or a requirement … am I supposed to include references, and if so, personal or professional references …  the question of KSAs appears again … and so on. The good news is that, with over 25 years of experience and our many Postal contacts, we can provide the detailed instructions and answers that they do not.

5. Take an Exam (Chapter 5)

Most jobs require an exam, and you must complete the testing process within a few days. This leaves you very little time to prepare, and effective test preparation is essential. There are several different exams used to fill different jobs, and many have high failure rates. The vast majority of Postal jobs … all processing, distribution, delivery, and customer service positions … are filled from new exams 474, 475, 476, and 477.

6. The Interview(Chapter 6)

Postal policy says that only the top three applicants … those with the top three scores … are invited for interviews, and one of them gets the job. You must have one of the top three scores for any chance whatsoever.

Choose a Job  Postal job names can be odd and misleading. Can you guess, for instance, what a “Sales, Service & Distribution Associate” job is? It is the retail clerk who sells stamps and provides customer service functions at the front counter. Before beginning your job search, you should review the jobs titles and descriptions in this chapter to determine which positions to pursue.

City Carrier City Carrier Assistant 1 & 2 Casual City Carrier TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 474

City Carriers of all types deliver and collect mail on foot or by vehicle in a prescribed area.  City Carriers may be required to carry mail weighing up to 35 pounds in shoulder satchels or other equipment and to load or unload mail weighing up to 70 pounds.

There are three categories of City Carrier positions as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 474.  Depending upon the needs of local Post Offices, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

City CarrierIs a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

City Carrier Assistant 1 and City Carrier Assistant 2Are both often referred to by the acronym CCA, and they are both entry level jobs that can lead to career positions.  Even though there are two job titles, the functions and wages are virtually identical.  When a career City Carrier position opens up, if there are CCAs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior CCA.  If there are no CCAs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career City Carrier position.  CCAs are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. CCA jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual City CarrierJobs are similar to City Carrier Assistant jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Rural Carrier Rural Carrier Associate Assistant Rural Carrier TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 474

Rural Carriers of all types deliver mail along a prescribed route and may be required to handle containers of mail weighing as much as 70

pounds.  Many Postal employees will tell you that a Rural Carrier position is the best possible job to have. They say that you work with less supervision and that you work in a rural environment that is far more enjoyable than an inner-city or metro area.

There are three categories of Rural Carrier positions as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 474.  Depending upon the needs of local Post Offices, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Rural Carrier Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

Rural Carrier Associate (RCA)Is a non-career long-term relief job that can work directly in to a career position.  When a career Rural Carrier position opens up, it is offered to the senior RCA at that particular facility.  If there are no RCAs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career Rural Carrier position.  RCAs cover for full-time career Rural Carriers when the full-timer is out due to sick leave, vacation leave, days off, etc.  Depending upon the size of the facility and the number of full-time Rural Carriers based there, an RCA might work anywhere from only one or two days a week up to over 40 hours a week. If an RCA is based in a smaller facility with limited hours to offer, he/she is often able to get more hours by covering for full-timers at other nearby facilities. 

Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC) Jobs are similar to RCA jobs except that (1) ARCs are expected to work relief specifically on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and (2) ARC jobs cannot work directly into career positions.

Sales, Service & Distribution Associate PSE Sales, Service & Distribution Associate

Casual Sales, Service & Distribution Associate TEST REQUIRED:Postal Exam 477

A Sales, Service & Distribution Associate (SSDA)Is the retail clerk who works at the front counter in a Post Office.  There are three categories of SSDA positions as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 477.  Depending upon the needs of local Post Offices, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Sales, Service & Distribution Associate (SSDA) Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Sales, Service & Distribution Associate (PSE SSDA) The Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career SSDA position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual Sales, Service & Distribution Associate (Casual SSDA)Jobs are similar to PSE SSDA jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Mail Processing Clerk PSE Mail Processing Clerk Casual Mail Processing Clerk TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 476

Mail Processing Clerks (MPCs) work inside Postal facilities and rarely see the public.  They process incoming and outgoing mail using automated

mail processing equipment or manual methods of sortation and distribution. They also collate, bundle, and transfer processed mail from one area to another, and they may be required to handle sacks of letter mail or parcels weighing as much as 70 pounds.

There are three categories of MPC positions as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 476.  Depending upon the needs of local Post Offices, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Mail Processing Clerk (MPC) Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Mail Processing Clerk (PSE MPC) Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career MPC position opens up, if there are PSE MPCs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE MPC.  If there are no PSE MPCs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career MPC position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual Mail Processing Clerk Jobs are similar to PSE MPC jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Mail Handler Mail Handler Assistant Casual Mail Handler

TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 475

Mail Handlers work inside Postal facilities and rarely see the public.  They load and unload containers of mail; transport mail and empty equipment throughout a Postal facility; open and empty sacks of mail; lift and carry parcels and sacks weighing up to 70 pounds; and push rolling containers weighing up to 1,500 pounds.

There are three categories of Mail Handler positions as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 475.  Depending upon the needs of local Post Offices, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Mail Handler Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

Mail Handler Assistant Is an entry level job that can lead to a career position.  When a career Mail Handler position opens up, if there are Mail Handler Assistants employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior Mail Handler Assistant.  If there are no Mail Handler Assistants employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career Mail Handler position.  Mail Handler Assistants are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. Mail Handler Assistant jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual Mail HandlerJobs are similar to Mail Handler Assistant jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Data Conversion Operator

PSE Data Conversion Operator Casual Data Conversion Operator TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 476

Data Conversion Operators (DCOs) key typed or handwritten data into a computer to be converted into bar codes that can be scanned and sorted by automated equipment.  In addition to employment exam 476, Data Conversion Operator applicants must take exam 714, a keyboarding test that assesses speed and accuracy.

There are three categories of DCO positions as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 476.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for all three categories.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Data Conversion Operator (DCO)Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Data Conversion Operator (PSE DCO) Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career DCO position opens up, if there are PSE DCOs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE DCO.  If there are no PSE DCOs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career DCO position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual DCOJobs are similar to PSE DCO jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis.

Building Equipment Mechanic PSE Building Equipment Mechanic TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 955

Building Equipment Mechanics perform maintenance on buildings, building equipment, and building systems such as large automated air conditioning and heating systems.

There are two categories of Building Equipment Mechanic positions as listed below.  Applicants for both categories must take Postal Exam 955.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for both categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Building Equipment Mechanic (BEM) Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Building Equipment Mechanic (PSE BEM) Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career BEM position opens up, if there are PSE BEMs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE BEM.  If there are no PSE BEMs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career BEM position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Maintenance Mechanic PSE Maintenance Mechanic TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 955

Maintenance Mechanics perform maintenance work on mail processing equipment, building equipment, customer service equipment, and delivery equipment.

There are two categories of Maintenance Mechanic positions as listed below.  Applicants for both categories must take Postal Exam 955.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for both categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Maintenance MechanicIs a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Maintenance Mechanic Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career Maintenance Mechanic position opens up, if there are PSE Maintenance Mechanics employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE Maintenance Mechanic.  If there are no PSE Maintenance Mechanics employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career Maintenance Mechanic position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Electronic Technician PSE Electronic Technician TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 955

Electronic Technicians perform a full range of diagnostic, preventive maintenance, alignment, calibration, and overhaul tasks on hardware and software on a variety of mail processing, customer service, and building equipment and systems, applying advanced technical knowledge to solve complex problems

There are two categories of Electronic Technician positions as listed below.  Applicants for both categories must take exam 955.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for both categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Electronic TechnicianIs a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Electronic Technician Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career Electronic Technician position opens up, if there are PSE Electronic Technicians employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE Electronic Technician.  If there are no PSE Electronic Technicians employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career Electronic Technician position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Mail Processing Equipment Maintenance Mechanic PSE Mail Processing Equipment Maintenance Mechanic TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 955

Mail Processing Equipment Maintenance Mechanics (MPEMMs) perform complex maintenance on mail processing equipment, building equipment, and building systems.

There are two categories of MPEMM Mechanic positions as listed below.  Applicants for both categories must take exam 955.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for both categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Mail Processing Equipment Maintenance Mechanic (MPEMM) Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Mail Processing Equipment Maintenance Mechanic (PSE MPEMM) Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career MPEMM position opens up, if there are PSE MPEMMs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE MPEMM.  If there are no PSE MPEMMs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career MPEMM position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term. 

Area Maintenance Technician PSE Area Maintenance Technician TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 955

Area Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) install, maintain, repair, remove, and dispose of Postal equipment within a geographic area. They also install, move, or repair Post Office screen-line equipment, lock boxes, furniture, and mechanical equipment, supervising such additional help as projects may require.

There are two categories of AMT positions as listed below.  Applicants for both categories must take Postal Exam 955.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for both categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Area Maintenance Technician (AMT) Is a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Area Maintenance Technician (PSE AMT) Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career AMT opens up, if there are PSE AMTs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE AMT.  If there are no PSE AMTs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career AMT position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term. 

Automotive Mechanic PSE Automotive Mechanic TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 943

Automotive Mechanics perform basic automotive repairs and maintenance.

There are two categories of Automotive Mechanic as listed below.  Applicants for both categories must take exam 943.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for both categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Automotive Mechanic Jobs are full-time career positions that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Automotive Mechanic Jobs are entry level jobs that can lead a to career positions.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career Automotive Mechanic position opens up, if there are PSE Automotive Mechanics employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE Automotive Mechanic.  If there are no PSE Automotive

Mechanics employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career Automotive Mechanic.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term. 

Automotive Technician PSE Automotive Technician TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 943/944

Automotive Technicians are expected to handle more complex repairs and maintenance.  Automotive Technician applicants take two tests, exams 943 and 944.  Exam 943 is the basic exam that Automotive Mechanic applicants take.  Exam 944 is more complex and challenging.

There are two categories of Automotive Technician positions as listed below.  Applicants for both categories must take exam 943/944 as noted above.  Depending upon local needs, you may find job postings for both categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Automotive Technician Jobs are full-time career positions that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Automotive Technician Jobs are entry level jobs that can lead a to career positions.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career Automotive Technician position opens up, if there are PSE Automotive Technicians employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE Automotive Technician.  If there are no PSE Automotive Technicians employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career Automotive Technician position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional

360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Motor Vehicle Operator PSE Motor Vehicle Operator Casual Motor Vehicle Operator TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 230

Motor Vehicle Operators (MVOs) operate mail trucks to pick up and transport mail in bulk.  There are three categories of MVOs as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 230.  Depending upon local needs, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Motor Vehicle Operator (MVO) Is full-time career position that come with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Motor Vehicle Operator (MVO) Is an entry level jobs that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career MVO position opens up, if there are PSE MVOs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE MVO.  If there are no PSE MVOs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career MVO position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual Motor Vehicle OperatorJobs are similar to PSE MVO jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Tractor Trailer Operator PSE Tractor Trailer Operator Casual Tractor Trailer Operator TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 240

Tractor Trailer Operators (TTOs) operate trucks and/or tractor trailers in over-the-road service, city shuttle service, and/or trailer spotting operations, etc. 

There are three categories of TTO jobs as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take same exam 240.  Depending upon local needs, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO)Is a full-time career position that come with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Tractor Trailer Operator (PSE TTO) Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career TTO opens up, if there are PSE TTOs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE TTO.  If there are no PSE TTOs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career TTO position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual Tractor Trailer Operator (Casual TTO) jobs are similar to PSE driving jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Motor Vehicle / Tractor Trailer Operator PSE Motor Vehicle Operator / Tractor Trailer Operator Casual Motor Vehicle Operator / Tractor Trailer Operator TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 238

Motor Vehicle Operator / Tractor Trailer Operator (MVO/TTOs) perform the functions of both Motor Vehicle Operators and Tractor Trailer Operators.  MVO/TTO applicants must take exam 238.

There are three categories of MVO/TTO jobs as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take same exams noted above.  Depending upon local needs, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Motor Vehicle Operator / Tractor Trailer Operator (MVO/TTO)Is a full-time career positions that come with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Motor Vehicle Operator / Tractor Trailer Operator (PSE MVO/TTO) Is an entry level jobs that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a MVO/TTO position opens up, if there are PSE MVO/TTOs employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE MVO/TTO.  If there are no PSE MVO/TTOs employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career MVO/TTO position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term.

Casual Motor Vehicle Operator and/or Tractor Trailer Operator (Casual MVO/TTO) jobs are similar to PSE driving jobs except that they cannot lead

directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Custodial Maintenance PSE Custodial Maintenance Casual Custodial Maintenance TEST REQUIRED: Postal Exam 916

Custodians clean and maintain buildings and grounds.  They must have the ability to stand, stoop, bend and stretch for long periods of time; to manually lift and carry objects weighing 45 pounds or more without assistance; to understand and carry out oral instructions expressed in English; to operate power assisted tools and power driven custodial equipment, and to work at heights from ladders, walkways, and scaffolds.

There are three categories of Custodian positions as listed below.  Applicants for all three categories must take exam 916.  Depending upon the needs of local Post Offices, you will regularly find job postings for all three categories nationwide.  Details on wages, benefits, and hours are provided in individual job postings.

Custodial MaintenanceIs a full-time career position that comes with the famous complete Postal benefits package.

PSE Custodial Maintenance Is an entry level job that can lead a to career position.  (PSE stands for Postal Support Employee).  When a career Custodian position opens up, if there are PSE Custodians employed at that particular facility, the career position is offered to the senior PSE Custodian.  If there are no PSE Custodians employed at that facility, the Postmaster posts an open job listing for a career Custodian position.  PSE employees are typically hired for 360 day terms and can be reappointed for additional 360 day

terms. PSE jobs may come with partial benefits either immediately or after the first 360 day term. 

Casual Custodial MaintenanceJobs are similar to PSE Custodial Maintenance jobs except that they cannot lead directly into career positions.  Casual employees are hired to temporarily supplement the normal workforce on an as-needed basis. 

Holiday Jobs

The Postal Service routinely hires extra temporary employees during peak holiday periods.  These positions are posted under titles include the word “Holiday”.  Such employees may be asked to perform a variety of functions while temporarily employed during the holidays.

Holiday jobs do not require an exam. All you do is submit an application. Based upon content of the applications, a few of the best qualified applicants are invited for interviews.

Professional Corporate Jobs This job group covers a number of professional positions at Postal headquarters and key locations nationwide.  A very limited number of people will be interested in this job group because it represents very few opportunities and because each of these opportunities demands advanced education, training, experience, etc.  At any given time, only a handful these Professional Corporate Jobs will be posted online compared to hundreds of the more traditional Postal jobs.

Below is a sampling of the professions included under this category.

Accounting / Finance ArchitectureEconomicsEducationEmergency Preparedness

Employee Development / TrainingEngineeringGovernment Relations Healthcare Human Resources Information Technology Labor Relations LegalMarketing / AdvertisingPublic Affairs / CommunicationReal Estate SalesStatisticsStrategic PlanningSupply Management / Purchasing

There is obviously no single job description, set of requirements, or salary range that can cover all these fields. Whenever they post such an opening, full details including the salary, job description and requirements for that particular job are provided.

There is no exam required of applicants for these type positions. Rather than taking a test to prove suitability for a particular job, as part of the application process the applicant is expected to provide credentials evidencing ability to adequately perform the duties of that position.