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Public Administration & LegalISCO 4412

Postman/postwoman

A postman or postwoman is a person who delivers correspondence and parcels to homes and businesses, hands over the mail and collects signatures from recipients, and carries out the other duties of a postal service in a post office or a related organisation. The daily round is at the heart of the job.

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Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

act reliably

ensure the integrity of mail

use geographic information systems

establish daily priorities

maintain privacy of service users

About postman/postwoman

Preparing the round comes before leaving. The postman sorts and handles the mail for the walk, sets the daily priorities, which items must go today and in what order, and analyses alternative routes where a road is closed, an address has changed or the volume will not fit the usual sequence. Geographic information systems are used for route work.

Delivery itself is outdoor work. The postman delivers to addresses that are not all easy to reach, reads traffic signals and moves safely in traffic on foot, by bicycle or by vehicle, and makes sure items are delivered undamaged, taking care over how a package is carried and where it is left.

Two obligations run alongside. The postman behaves responsibly and implements environmental protection measures, for example in route planning and vehicle use.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (16)

geographic areasgeographic areasThe detailed knowledge of a geographical area where different organisations carry out operations.road traffic lawsroad traffic lawsThe rule governing the circulation of vehicles, such as national traffic codes and the rules of the road.data protectiondata protectionThe principles, ethical issues, regulations and protocols of data protection.act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.ensure the integrity of mailensure the integrity of mailEnsure the integrity of letters and packages to avoid damage. Ensure that packages are delivered to clients in the same condition they were collected in.use geographic information systemsuse geographic information systemsWork with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).establish daily prioritiesestablish daily prioritiesEstablish daily priorities for staff personnel; effectively deal with multi-task workload.maintain privacy of service usersmaintain privacy of service usersRespect and maintain the dignity and privacy of the client, protecting his or her confidential information and clearly explaining policies about confidentiality to the client and other parties involve...handle mailhandle mailHandle mail considering data protection issues, health and safety requirements, and specifications of different kinds of mail.operate mailing information systemsoperate mailing information systemsOperate mailing information systems in order to record the processing and handling of mail. Record faults and identify packages that were not delivered. Ensure mail and small packages are traceable un...analyse travel alternativesanalyse travel alternativesAnalyse prospective improvements in journey efficiency through reduction of travel time by modifying itineraries and outlining alternatives.interpret traffic signalsinterpret traffic signalsObserve lights on the road, road conditions, nearby traffic, and prescribed speed limits to ensure safety. Interpret traffic signals and act accordingly.execute working instructionsexecute working instructionsUnderstand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.implement environmental protection measuresimplement environmental protection measuresEnforce environmental criteria to prevent environmental damage. Strive for the efficient use of resources in order to prevent waste and reduce costs. Motivate colleagues to take relevant steps to oper...organise mail deliveriesorganise mail deliveriesOrganise mail and small package deliveries in an efficient, confidential, and safe manner.differentiate types of packagesdifferentiate types of packagesIdentify and differentiate different kinds of mail items and packages to be delivered. Consider their differences to foresee the necessary tools required for delivery.
Optional (7) — show
communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.drive in urban areasdrive in urban areasDrive vehicles in urban areas. Interpret and understand transit signs in a city, the regulation of traffic, and the related common automobility agreements in an urban area.contact customerscontact customersContact customers by telephone in order to respond to inquiries or to notify them of claim investigation results or any planned adjustments.apply information security policiesapply information security policiesImplement policies, methods and regulations for data and information security in order to respect confidentiality, integrity and availability principles.respond to customers' inquiriesrespond to customers' inquiriesAnswer customers' questions about itineraries, rates and reservations in person, by mail, by e-mail and on the phone.drive two-wheeled vehiclesdrive two-wheeled vehiclesDrive two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles for the performance of different tasks relating to the transportation of goods and passengers.secure sensitive customer's informationsecure sensitive customer's informationSelect and apply security measures and regulations related to sensitive customer information with the aim of protecting their privacy.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

motorcycle delivery person10 shared essential skillscar and van delivery driver8 shared essential skillsbicycle courier7 shared essential skillsmail clerk7 shared essential skillsoccupational driving instructor3 shared essential skillsprivate chauffeur3 shared essential skillsaeronautical information specialist2 shared essential skillsarmoured car driver2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a postman/postwoman do?

Postmen/Postwomen deliver mails and parcel posts to residences and businesses. They perform mail delivery and collect signatures from the recipients. They perform other duties in connection with mail services from post offices or related organisations.

What skills does a postman/postwoman need?

A postman/postwoman needs 16 essential skills, including geographic areas, road traffic laws, data protection, act reliably, ensure the integrity of mail.

Will AI replace postman/postwoman jobs?

The AI disruption score for postman/postwoman is 57/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: operate mailing information systems, respond to customers' inquiries, road traffic laws. Most resilient: act reliably, interpret traffic signals, drive two-wheeled vehicles.

AI Replacement Risk

57/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorPublic Administration & Legal
ISCO GroupOther clerical support workers
Essential Skills16

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