Postal facilities across the US have needs for custodians. In general, postal custodians are responsible for the daily cleaning and maintenance of various USPS facilities. There are hundreds of custodians currently working for the US Postal Service, but hiring for new custodians is infrequent.
Most new workers are hired in as a Postal Support Employee (PSE) Laborer Custodian, which is a non-career position (which may lead to a career position at a later date). The typical starting salary for this position is $13.25 per hour. PSE Custodians do receive limited benefits, such as:
Paid time off – earned at a rate of 1 hour for every 20 paid hours
Contractual pay raises
Health Insurance – through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, after one year of service. Workers will have to pay a premium.
Dental and Vision Insurance – after one year of service
Postal Custodian Job Description
Postal Custodians and Custodial Laborers assist with the maintenance and cleaning of postal facilities (buildings and grounds). Typical tasks for these positions include using power-assisted tools and operating power-driven custodial equipment.
Postal custodians must perform manual labor that requires the ability to stand, bend and stretch for long periods of time. Additionally, these positions require the ability to lift and carry objects of 45 pounds and to work at heights from ladders and scaffolds. Specific duties can include:
- Moving equipment and furniture
- Removing trash from lobbies, restrooms, and work areas
- Maintaining lawns, shrubbery and exterior premises
- Clean duties as assigned
- Stacking and organizing supplies in storage rooms
- Loading and unloading equipment and supplies
- Uncrating and assembling fixtures and equipment
You can find out more about this position and other postal jobs by visiting the USPS career website.
Postal Exam 916
Postal Exam 916 is offered on an as-needed basis. Additionally, these positions may be restricted to eligible Veteran Applicants. Passing your postal exam is only one step you need to take you get your local post office job. You can prepare for your postal exam by taking some free postal exam questions.
The Postal Exam 916 contains four sections: reading/vocabulary, basic safety, general cleaning and following written instructions.
Postal Exam 916 – Vocabulary and Reading
The vocabulary and reading comprehension section of Postal Exam 916 will test your knowledge of vocabulary and how well you understand written passages. The information may be similar to what you would encounter on material data safety sheets, equipment instructions, and product labels.
Postal Exam 916 – Basic Safety
The basic safety section of Postal Exam 916 will assess your knowledge of general safety information. This information includes: safety principles, health hazards, cleaning, maintenance, and personal protective equipment.
Postal Exam 916 – General Cleaning
The general cleaning section of postal exam 710 will test your knowledge of general cleaning information required of custodians. You will be quizzed on cleaning/disinfecting materials, equipment, techniques and tools.
Postal Exam 916 – Following Written Instructions
The Following Written Instructions portion of Postal Exam 710 will assess your ability to understand and carry out written instructions. The written instructions are intended to be similar to what you may encounter on the job.