United States Postal Service has employed over 600,000 employees as care and non-care personnel working in different locations in different departments within USPS. These departments are Human Resources, Retail, and Delivery, Logistics, and Processing, Commerce and Business, Information Communication Technology, Marketing and Customer service, Finance, etc.
USPS Rural Carrier Associate is a part-time employment position at USPS. The holder of this position is responsible for safely collecting and conveniently delivering mail in rural and semi-urban areas for USPS and also performs other services as stated in their job description.
About USPS Rural Carrier Associate
Eligibility
USPS sets up eligibility criteria that its Rural Carrier Associates must meet to be considered for an employment opportunity.
Some of the applicant eligibility criteria are as follows
- 16 years with a high school diploma or 18 years and above
- Undergo and pass a drug screening test
Those who fail the drug test, or are not willing to take the test or found to have lied during the test are automatically disqualified.
- Willing to undertake medical assessments
- U.S Citizen or is a permanent resident alien
- Must know basic English
- Pass entry examination provided by USPS
USPS invites applicants via their email addresses to take an exam which determines whether the applicant will continue with the application process.
- Have a valid driver’s license with excellent driving skills
The applicant submits their copy of the driver’s license and proves their skills passing the initial road test. USPS will provide them with additional training after hiring.
- Provide employment history if applicable
If an applicant has been previously employed or is currently employed, they are required to provide their employment details to be used when conducting background checks.
- Permit criminal background checks and other checks
The applicant must be willing for USPS to conduct any background checks on them. They should submit all the required information if tasked for the checks to be performed otherwise they will be disqualified for the opportunity.
- Veterans to attach proof
Applicants who are veterans are required to show proof by attaching member copy 4 (only) of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other proof of eligibility
- Valid email address
The applicant must provide a valid email address that will be used for any communication between USPS and them.
- Salary package
USPS offers Rural Carrier Associates a salary ranging from $19.06 per hour that will be paid to them after every two weeks.
Benefits
USPS Rural Carrier Associate benefits from the following
- USPS Health Benefits Plan
Immediately after being hired RCAs are eligible to join the plan
- Health insurance, dental and vision insurance, and Vision Insurance Program
RCAs are eligible if in one year after being hired they have not had more than 5 days break in service.
- Long term care insurance
- Annual leave and sick leave
RCAs are eligible after 90 days of service at USPS.
- Full-time position
RCAs are eligible to apply for RCA full-time employment after working nonstop at USPS for 1 year.
- Overtime payment
To be eligible for overtime payment, the RCA must have worked for more than 40 hours per week.
How to apply?
The applicants are required to apply for Rural Carrier Associate at www.usps.com/careers, submit all the required documentation, and do the entry test examination.
USPS provides qualified applicants with accommodation if requested and approved.
Duties and responsibilities
Below are the duties and responsibilities of the USPS Rural Carrier Associate.
- Sell stamps and money orders
- Deliver mail to customers on their assigned routes
- Pack mails in vehicle
- Sort mails for routes given
- Receives mails
- Prepare mails for delivery
- Return uncollected mails
- Prepare a report on their trips daily
- Keep customer lists per route assigned
- Keep inventory of stamps
- Working hours and days
Working hours for RCAs depend on the office and the route they are assigned to. Working days include weekends, holidays, and on-call.
- Background Check
USPS performs background checks on all the qualified RCAs applicants. This might include
- Criminal
A qualified candidate that fails the test or is not willing for the check to be performed on them is disqualified.
A criminal background check may be done on the applicant’s area of residence, employment locations, and the school where one attended.
- Employment
Employment checks are done to confirm the eligibility of the applicant’s years of experience and reasons for leaving.
- Vehicle Required
RCAs are to use their vehicles to carry out their duties. The vehicles must be insured and in good condition.
Conclusion
USPS prides itself in providing equal employment opportunities to people of all races, gender, or Disabilities. Its employees are working either permanently or part-time, providing a source of livelihood to their families.
