Summary

The Senate Sergeant at Arms is seeking a Mail Specialist. The complete vacancy announcement and application can be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/J5NY. This vacancy announcement closes at 7pm EST on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Sorts, x-rays, visually screens, opens and testes all incoming mail and packages for delivery across the Senate campus. Operates specialized mail/package processing equipment and machinery used to help detect potentially hazardous materials/substances. Follow established safety protocol and processing procedures to visually inspect, open and examine incoming mail/packages. Identifies suspicious, threatening, and potentially hazardous materials/substances and alerting chain of command. Use mobile computer for package accountability. Maintains accurate records, by category, of the volume of all materials received daily: verifies that all mail received has been screened. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/J5NY.

Qualifications

Required Work Experience

1-3 years mail room experience.

Required Special Skills/ Knowledge

Knowledge of Microsoft products.
Ability to learn basic U.S. Postal Service Regulations.
Ability to learn and adhere to safety precautions associated with a mail facility operation.
Ability to obtain pulmonary, x-ray and respiratory fit certifications.
Ability to work in an air-controlled environment while properly don/doffing personal protective equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

As part of our hiring process, we may conduct a skills assessment to better understand an applicant’s proficiency in key areas relevant to the role.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of mail room operational procedures including U.S. Postal Service regulations and procedures.
Knowledge of safety precautions associated with the operation of a mail facility.
Ability to obtain and maintain pulmonary, x-ray, and respiratory fit certifications.
Ability to work in an air-controlled environment and properly don/doff personal protective equipment.
Ability to learn to safely operate an x-ray machine.
Ability to operate and accurately enter information into a computer, handheld device and cellular phone and mail processing equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, coworkers, and others encountered during the shift.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to follow directives and standard operating procedures.

Working Conditions

Since this position requires onsite presence in support of the U.S. Senate when in session, this position requires the employee to be available and prepared to work during government shutdowns, in inclement weather, on holidays, and during late night, overnight, and weekend sessions. In the context of government furloughs, this position is considered excepted.
This position directly supports essential services of the U.S. Senate. As such, this position requires the employee be available and prepared to work during government shutdowns, in inclement weather, on holidays, weekends, and during late nights to ensure essential services to the Senate continue without interruption. In the context of government furloughs, this position is considered excepted.
Stand/sit for extended periods of time in a negative air environment.
Lift and carry/share weight up to 100 lbs.
Operates mail/package processing equipment and machinery as needed.
Ability to wear PPE for extended lengths.
May occasionally work nights and/or weekends to handle backlog of mail received.
Using cleaning implements.
Employee is required to wear a uniform.

Education

High School/GED.

Additional information

The Sergeant at Arms is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email SAARecruitment@saa.senate.gov with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Highly qualified candidates may be interviewed and a reference check conducted.

Required Documents

Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.

Subject to background/security investigation.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply for jobs online using this link: https://sen.gov/J5NY. Paper application materials, resumes and attachments that are sent via email, mail or brought in-person will not be considered or accepted. All applicants MUST attach their documents to the online employment application.

Agency contact information

SAARecruitment@saa.senate.gov

Address

U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms
SH-142 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC, Washington, DC 20001

Next steps

Qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

07/28/2025 to 08/11/2025

Salary

$52,128 to - $91,198 per year

Pay scale & grade

AD 00

Location

Few vacancies in the following location:

Washington, DC

Few vacancies

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Not required - N/A

Relocation expenses reimbursed

NoThe Senate Sergeant at Arms does not pay for relocation expenses.

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

0342 Support Services Administration

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

Announcement number

req686

Control number

841847400

US Senate jobs

Mail Specialist #116

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