Mail Specialist

Summary

The Senate Sergeant at Arms is seeking a Mail Specialist #499. The complete vacancy announcement and application can be found on the United States Senate Career Page at This vacancy announcement closes at 11:59pm EST on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

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Duties

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Sorts, x-rays, visually screens, opens, and tests all incoming mail and packages for delivery across the Senate campus.

Operates specialized mail and package processing equipment and machinery used to help detect potentially hazardous materials and substances.

Follows established safety protocols and processing procedures to visually inspect, open, and examine incoming mail and packages.

Identifies suspicious, threatening, and potentially hazardous materials or substances and alerts the chain of command.

Uses mobile computers for package accountability.

Maintains accurate records, by category, of the volume of all materials received daily; verifies that all mail received has been screened.

Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at

Qualifications

Required Work Experience

• 1-3 years mail processing experience.

Required Special Skills/ Knowledge

• Knowledge of Microsoft products.
• Ability to learn basic U.S. Postal Service regulations.
• Ability to learn and adhere to safety precautions associated with mail facility operations.
• Ability to obtain pulmonary, x-ray, and respiratory fit certifications.
• Ability to work in an air-controlled environment while properly donning and doffing personal protective equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• As part of our hiring process, we may conduct a skills assessment to better understand an applicant's proficiency in key areas relevant to the role.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of mail room operational procedures, including U.S. Postal Service regulations and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety precautions associated with the operation of a mail facility.
• Ability to obtain and maintain pulmonary, x-ray, and respiratory fit certifications.
• Ability to work in an air-controlled environment and properly don and doff personal protective equipment.
• Ability to learn to safely operate an x-ray machine.
• Ability to operate and accurately enter information into a computer, handheld device, cellular phone, and mail processing equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and others encountered during the shift.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow directives and standard operating procedures.

Working Conditions

• Since this position requires onsite presence in support of the U.S. Senate when in session, this position requires the employee to be available and prepared to work during a lapse in appropriations, in inclement weather, on holidays, and during late-night, overnight, and weekend sessions. In the context of government furloughs, this position is considered excepted.
• This position directly supports essential services of the U.S. Senate. As such, this position requires the employee to be available and prepared to work during a lapse in appropriations, in inclement weather, on holidays, weekends, and during late nights to ensure essential services to the Senate continue without interruption. In the context of government furloughs, this position is considered excepted.
• Stand or sit for extended periods of time in a negative-air environment.
• Lift and carry or share weight up to 100 pounds.
• Operates mail and package processing equipment and machinery as needed.
• Ability to wear PPE for extended periods.
• May occasionally work nights and/or weekends to handle backlog of mail received.
• Uses cleaning implements.
• Employee is required to wear a uniform.

Education

High School Diploma/GED.

Additional information

The Sergeant at Arms is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws.

This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email View email address on click.appcast.io with "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject line.

No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.