Looking for a job in Florida? The post office is hiring

UPS announced plans to cut 30,000 jobs in the coming year. Amazon is slashing 16,000.

The post office is hiring.

In recent weeks, the U.S. Postal Service has been holding job fairs to fill vacant positions for carriers, assistant carriers, and auto techs at Florida locations, with salaries starting at $21.89 per hour. The next two are in Tallahassee and Lake City.

Recent job fairs were held at Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville.

Here’s what to know.

Is the Post Office hiring?

The USPS in Tallahassee and Lake City are looking for “committed and motivated individuals,” according to press releases. The positions are:

• Rural Carrier Associates (RCA) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, full-time with health benefits. You would deliver mail on a full-time schedule that may include weekend and holidays.
• Assistant Rural Carriers (ARC) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, part-time. You would deliver packages.
• Automotive Technician (AT) – $66,586 annually, paid bi-weekly, health benefits. You would perform repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal fleet. (Tallahassee only)

Benefits include multiple health and life insurance choices, pension benefits and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) like a 401(k), and vacation time and sick leave, the USPS said.

When are the USPS job fairs?

• Tallahassee: Friday, Jan, 30, at the Tallahassee Post Office, 2800 S Adams Street
• Lake City: Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Lake City Post Office, 250 NW Main Blvd.

Interested applicants who can’t make it to the job fairs may also apply at usps.com/careers.

What are the requirements to work for the post office?

• You must be 18 years old or older at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma
• You must be a United States citizen or permanent resident
• You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening
• If driving is part of the job, you must have a valid state driver’s license and a safe driving record

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.