Looking to leap into a new career this leap year? US Postal Service holding Bend P.O. job fairs all February long

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The year 2024 is a leap year — it happens once every four years — which means the month of February has one extra day, the 29th. So the U.S. Postal Service asks: Why not take advantage of the additional time and find a new career with the USPS? There's a job fair at the Bend Post Office every February.

Here's the full USPS announcement issued Monday:

Mail carriers, handlers, and clerks are still very much in demand throughout Oregon, the agency says. But other jobs are also available, such as tractor trailer/motor vehicle operator or automotive technician.

The USPS employs more than 635,000 people throughout the nation, and with nearly 63,000 military veterans on its rolls, it is also one of the largest employers of veterans in the country.

A career with the Postal Service offers the opportunity to make a difference in your community by giving employees the ability to work where they live, USPS says. The jobs provide stability, good pay, lifelong benefits and nearly endless career advancement opportunities throughout the entire agency.

If getting a new job is on the “to do” list, stop by any of the events listed below, including every Thursday in Bend.

Employees will be available to help fair attendees with benefits, qualifications, and application questions. Laptops will be available on the day of the event for immediate application submission.

Starting pay varies depending on the job. But starting pay for carriers ranges between $19 and $20 per hour, paid bi-weekly. Applications are accepted online at www.usps.com/careers. 

Applicants must be 18 years of age and be able to pass drug screening and a criminal background investigation. Although in some instances, interested candidates can also be 16 with a high school diploma. Applicants must also be available to work weekends and holidays.

If someone can’t make it to the listed events, or for additional information regarding available positions in all areas, applicants can go to our website at www.usps.com/careers.

Jobs are uploaded every other Tuesday until filled, and postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities. Potential applicants can also visit any Post Office location for more information.

Stabilizing our workforce to ensure we consistently service nearly 165 million addresses across the country is one part of the Postal Service’s 10-year Delivering for America plan to achieve financial stability and service excellence.

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Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 165 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.