Description
Inspect and verify incoming and outgoing USPS mail for compliance with postal regulations, security standards, and service requirements. Examine exception items, research addresses and postage issues, and document findings. Operate screening and barcode equipment, coordinate with processing operations, and maintain records of examined, held, and released mail. Includes USPS employees and contractors performing mail examination duties.
- • Inspect mailpieces for correct addresses, legibility, postage, endorsements, and required documentation.
- • Screen for prohibited, hazardous, or suspicious contents using imaging, X-ray, and detection tools per policy.
- • Segregate, label, and route exception items, including UAA, postage due, restricted matter, and damaged mail.
- • Verify weight, dimensions, and service type; calculate or flag postage due and surcharges.
- • Research and correct addresses using directories and USPS databases; process forwarding and returns.
- • Apply appropriate endorsements, labels, seals, and barcodes after examination.
- • Open and verify mail containers and pouches; check seals and dispatch documentation.
- • Maintain chain-of-custody and detailed logs for examined, held, or seized items.
- • Prepare reports on irregularities, security incidents, and compliance trends.
- • Operate and monitor scanning, OCR, barcode, and imaging equipment; clear minor jams and perform basic adjustments.
- • Rewrap or repackage damaged parcels and ensure suitability for further processing.
- • Coordinate with sorting and transportation staff to meet dispatch deadlines.
- • Train new workers on examination procedures, safety, and regulations.
- • Move and stage mail containers safely using material-handling equipment as required.
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Public Service & Safety
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
