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You are here: Home › Careers › New Zealand Careers › Careers Descriptions › Postal Services Careers › Mail Sorter

Mail Sorter

Mail sorters sort letters, envelopes and parcels by address. They work in mail processing centres.

 

Tasks & duties

Mail sorters may do some or all of the following:

  • check that correct postage has been paid, and stamp the date onto the mail
  • check that addresses are written clearly and are easily understood
  • hand-sort mailbags into cages and compartments
  • place packages and mail bundles into stacks and trays
  • feed mail onto automated sorting machines, and clear jams
  • move mail between conveyor belts, loading docks and trolleys
  • move mail around the mailroom in large carts
  • send sorted mail to postal deliverers
  • redirect mail that has the incorrect address
  • maintain and update databases of customer information
  • answer customer enquiries
  • use mail sorting machinery and do basic maintenance on it
  • act as a team leader, supervising other mail sorters and helping to train new people

 

Skills & knowledge

Mail sorters need to have:

  • knowledge of the locations of different towns and cities in New Zealand
  • knowledge of local post office box numbers
  • knowledge of postal service charges in New Zealand and overseas
  • the ability to read quickly and accurately
  • the ability to operate automated equipment
  • the ability to follow clear guidelines and methods
  • decision-making skills
  • communication skills
  • organisational skills

 

Entry requirements

To become a mail sorter you sit competency tests (on critical reading, memory and hand-eye co-ordination).

 

Secondary education

There are no specific educational requirements to enter this job, but at least three years of secondary education is recommended.

 

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. New employees undergo six weeks of introductory training. Mail sorters usually have to pass regular competency tests to assess their speed and accuracy.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for mail sorters includes work involved with the handling and moving of packaged materials. Other useful experience for mail sorters includes casual mail work during peak times, postie work, reception work or factory work.

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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