Administrative Support Technician I - Department of General Services, Mail Service

About the role

This position is Part-Time Benefited, meaning it is part of the Exempt Service of the Howard County Merit System. Exempt Service positions do not have to serve a probationary period, as they are appointed and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. This position does not receive merit protections received by the Classified Service.

Responsibilities

• Receiving Shipments: Receives mail and parcel shipments from the USPS, UPS, and other transport firms, verifying the volume and content of the shipments and signs delivery slips, tickets or manifests as required. Acts as an Authorized Agent of the County government for the receipt of correspondence and parcels. Isolates suspicious incoming packages and letters using Suspicious Package Guidelines, Suspicious Package Indicators, and Mail Security Guide made available by USPS and County police and administration and alert public safety agencies. Records damaged incoming packages on shipper log and subsequently notifies the carrier in the event of damages found.
• Sorting and Packaging: Sorts mail and parcels into trays, boxes or other receptacles, dividing the material into separate delivery locations. Packages, wraps, or bands the combined shipments for subsequent delivery. When using a County vehicle, packs materials into vehicle to ensure safe transport.
• Delivery: Makes special direct deliveries of materials between persons and/or agencies as required or directed. Maintains a signature log book of special deliveries including UPS parcels, Certified, Express, and Registered Mail, showing tracking numbers, shipper name, when and to whom the materials were delivered. Delivers mail and regular parcels, either on foot within the County Office Building Complex, or via van or truck throughout outlying Howard County office locations.
• Outgoing Mail Preparation: Prepares outgoing mail and parcels for the USPS, UPS and other transport companies. Prepares the UPS manifest using either the manual system or automated scales and equipment. Meters and affixes postage to USPS materials following current Postal regulations and guidelines.
• Bulk and Presort Mailings: Prepares and verifies Express, Third Class bulk mailings and First Class Pre-sort mailings following current USPS regulations and guidelines. Prepares USPS submittal forms and manifests for such special mailings. Trains other personnel in the proper sorting and packaging of Express, bulk and pre-sort mailings. Runs Presort Standard and First Class Presort mail through the mail machine for postage imprint sequence shown in the postage statements and reports.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Troubleshoots minor issues related to letter jams and such other simple malfunctions that need minor adjustments as illustrated in the owner's manual. Reports major machine malfunctions to the supervisor and be able to connect with the vendor for repair and/or service/maintenance. Monitors and records periodic postage and carrier rates changes, loads vendor supplied postage rate chips on to the meter modem, monitors postage balances and reports low postage levels to the supervisor for replenishment. Remotely transfers funds electronically to postage machines.
• Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance: Performs routine maintenance on the mail carts, dollies, and platform trucks including cleaning, lubrication and the replacement of minor service parts. When operating County vehicle, responsible for general cleanliness, replenishment of gasoline and washer fluid and maintains proper tire pressure of the vehicles. Arranges for scheduled maintenance of fleet vehicles assigned to Mail Room, have vehicles booked out to customers, get related 'Motor Pool Vehicle Request' form completed and signed by the customers and, maintain the mileage logs and record scratches, dents and interior cleanliness upon return of the vehicle. Gets vehicles washed and cleaned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; and two (2) years of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with postal metering equipment and scales.
• Demonstrated familiarity with postal and express rate charts and computation methods.
• Experience in mail services or package shipping and delivery.
• Ability to use computers and common productivity programs, such as Word and Excel.