The United States Postal Service employs part-time, flexible (PTF) clerks to work in various capacities in individual town post offices. Anyone interested in applying for this position must go through a vigorous screening process, pass a written and drug test and provide proof of citizenship. The average hourly salary for a PTF postal clerk is around $20.

Function

The duties of a PTF clerk include a variety of post-office tasks, including sorting mail into post office boxes and bags for delivery, receiving packages and selling stamps and money orders.

Identification

PTF clerks must be able to lift up to 70 pounds, have a valid driver's license, be at least 18 years old and pass a Postal Service examination required for all civil-service workers.

Considerations

PTF clerks are not guaranteed a set number of hours per week. Hours are often reduced when mail volume is low, and clerks may be assigned to work at different offices depending on need.

Famous Ties

A number of celebrities worked as postal clerks before discovering their true calling, including actors Bing Crosby, Sherman Hemsley and Hal Williams and football coach Knute Rockne.

Expert Insight

According to the National Association of Letter Carriers, all postal service letter carriers begin their career as PTF employees. Normally, PTF employees become full-time regulars, but the length of time before that happens can vary greatly.