What qualifications are required to be a postmaster
A postmaster in the United State Postal Service (USPS) is responsible for handling a single or multiple post offices. His/her job is to execute a diverse range of managerial errands such as guiding the employees, designing work agendas, and ensuring the smooth functioning of postal services. Apart from administrative duties, a postmaster should be well-versed with the current technology to flawlessly carry out routine-based activities. Usually, the average income of a postmaster is around $70,000 (according to the statistics laid down by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a postmaster, then you must be aware that it doesn’t require a particular college degree. To be a postmaster, you will mostly have to work your way up through the positions. So, you will have to begin by applying for entry level postal jobs in USPS. The basic requirements for USPS jobs are as follows:
- As an applicant, you must be a legal citizen of the United States of America.
- You must be aged 18 years when you are appointed or 16 years with a high school diploma.
- Undergoing a medical test, drug scan, and criminal background check is mandatory.
- Providing the relevant records of past employment is essential too.
After completing the application, you must give an entrance exam for USPS jobs to qualify for the further process. If you manage to get a good score, you will be shortlisted for an interview. Based on your performance, you can land a job as a clerk, mail processor, or a letter carrier and then secure promotions, as and when there are opportunities.
To work as a postmaster, the USPS will mandate you to undertake a postal training program known as the Associate Supervisor Program (ASP). It comprises of tutorials and practical training while you are working in USPS. As a trainee, you will gain insightful knowledge about the responsibilities of a postmaster as well as the technical skills required to run the post office. USPS will also assign every trainee a mentor who will instruct the trainee about the program and the future goals as a postmaster.