JOB DESCRIPTION

View Vacancy – Mail Room Operative (BFPO 2)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)

Job Subcategory

MOD (Ministry of Defence)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and reliable individual to join the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) as a Mailroom Operative. This important role plays a key part in supporting secure and efficient mail services and reports directly to the Mailroom Supervisor.

The mailroom team provides a comprehensive range of postal services including the collection, sorting and onward forwarding, and distribution of mail items. This role involves significant physical activity, and successful candidates will be required to move and handle up to 300 kg (660lbs) of mail each week and individual parcels of up to 30kg (66lbs) daily. This essential service supports both internal Embassy staff and the wider UK Government and Defence footprint across the United States, ensuring secure and timely handling of mail.

This is a part time position.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

This is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments collaborate and negotiate. The British Forces Post Office provides customer support to the wider British Defence Staff based at the British Embassy, Washington DC and US sites across North America, providing a high-quality postal service.

The ideal candidate will be a team player and able to work independently, clear/effective communicator, strong attention to detail, with the ability to shift focus with making Effective Decisions, Working Together, managing a Quality Service, and Delivering at Pace.

The Mail Room Operative provides the following service:

• Drive a Ford Transit van to International Airport Dulles (IAD) twice per week to collect mailbags and boxes.
• Act as a mail guard twice per week, escorting mail to and from IAD to ensure security and compliance.
• Coordinating the dispatch, receipt and sorting of unclassified BFPO mail.
• Managing the preparation, payment and submission of mail for transit via US domestic carriers.
• Ensuring the secure storage of all mail types in accordance with established security protocols.
• Maintaining accurate and up to date mail records, including those related to BFPO, US carriers, British Consulates, and the FCDO.
• Liaising with FCDO London regarding the transport of Diplomatic Unescorted Bags between the US and the UK.
• Providing advice and assistance to customers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ensuring full compliance with Health and Safety procedures and promoting safe working practices.
• Supporting the Mailroom Supervisor, including providing cover during periods of absence.
• Assisting the BFPO Courier Service as required.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• A strong team player with the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the team and wider business.
• Proficient IT skills, with the ability to evaluate and manage data effectively – particularly using Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• A clear and confident communicator, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent customer service skills, with a professional and approachable manner.
• Must hold a valid US driving license to undertake local driving details twice per week for mail collection and delivery from IAD.
• A proven track record of meeting established goals with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgement and make decisions independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain positive working relationships with supervisors and colleagues.
• Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. *A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience driving in the US.
• Previous experience working with mail/mail systems.
• Relevant experience with a postal service, or related field.
• Understanding of Mail carriers products & services.

Required behaviours

Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

5 November 2025

Grade

S3

Type of Position

Permanent, Part-Time

Working hours per week

25.5

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Washington

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

USD

Salary

$20.74

Type of Salary

hourly

Start Date

2 February 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position.

You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.

All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

The British Embassy and its US Network embrace hybrid working. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of teamwork, and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

Please note: The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

Unique Tax Rules

Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional – before accepting a job.

Additional information

Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 5 December 2025.

All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.

Working patterns:

The mail room operates from 0630 to 1500. Monday through Thursday, and from 0600 to 1200 on Fridays. Prior to the mailroom opening to customers at 0730, there is a requirement to carry out accounts related duties, including mail deliveries and collections.
This is a part time position, offering 25.5 hours per week. The successful applicant will be expected to work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 0630 to 1500 each day.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.

Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.

Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive; we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or any other criterion protected by law.

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. • A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.