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situations; to collect, assemble, and act on pertinent facts; to prepare clear and accurate records; to deal
effectively with individuals and groups; and to express him- or herself in both oral and written
communications. A background investigation will be made on all otherwise qualified candidates. To be
considered, each applicant must pass a written qualifying exam with a score of 70 or better out of a possible
100. The examination tests accuracy in comparing names and numbers, reading comprehension, and
arithmetic reasoning ability. It also includes a self-rating inventory.
Male applicants born after 12/31/59, unless for some reason exempt, must be registered with the
Selective Service System.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 applies to postal workers. All postal workers must
be citizens of the U.S. or must be able to prove identity and the right to work in the United States
(permanent resident alien status--Green Card).
New employees are trained in an eight-week program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
(FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
POSTAL INSPECTOR
Candidates for this position are carefully screened by the U.S. Postal Service. They must be U.S. citizens
between the ages of 21 and 37 and must be willing to relocate to any part of the United States or Puerto
Rico. Each applicant must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and must have at least
one year's experience. Applicants must have a minimum of four years of general or three years of
specialized work experience. General work experience is that which shows an ability to work effectively
with individuals or groups and to collect facts and prepare clear and concisely written reports. Or the
experience might have required a knowledge of mail handling and distribution operations or postal
personnel or finance systems. Specialized work experience can involve one of any number of specific
work backgrounds. These include experience in investigations of complex insurance claims, particularly
those involving frauds; investigations of criminal cases for reputable attorneys; investigations for
government agencies; or investigations for the Armed Forces conducted as a uniformed law officer or
detective. Experience may be in work as a practicing attorney, work involving application of financial
or operations-management techniques, Postal Service positions such as supervisor or postmaster, or
technical work dealing with finances or operations. A law degree; a master's degree in accounting, police
science, or public or business administration; or credentials as a CPA may be substituted for three years
of specialized experience. In all cases, candidates must demonstrate the ability to speak and write clearly;
have poise, initiative, and a good appearance; be capable of exercising tact and sound judgment in dealing
with others; and have a valid driver's license.
All candidates are given a qualifying oral interview and a general aptitude test as well as thorough
physical and psychological evaluations to be sure they are free of any disability that would interfere with
normal work performance. A thorough background investigation is made of each applicant including
arrest records and interviews with neighbors, work associates, and supervisors who provide personal
references. Candidates who meet all the preceding requirements are given a numerical rating based on
their written examination, education, experience, and veteran's preference, if any, and are placed on an
eligibility roster for possible future openings.
Newly hired trainees receive 16 weeks of intensive training. This consists of eight weeks of basic
instruction at the Inspection Service Management Academy located in Potomac, Maryland; four weeks
of field training in the postal division to which the trainee is assigned; and an additional four weeks of
specialized instruction that includes use of firearms, defensive tactics, search and seizure techniques,
court and legal procedures, postal operations, auditing techniques, and federal laws that apply to
Inspection Service activities. After the completion of training, new Postal Inspectors begin work at their
