New postmaster a familiar face in Baker

Kathy Spence is the new postmaster at the Baker City Post Office. She has worked at the post office here since 1996. (Baker City Herald/Kathy Orr)

Kathy Spence, who lives outside of Haines, began as postmaster Jan. 16.

She first took a test to qualify for a job with the U.S. Postal Service in 1994 — an exam that tests memorization skills when it comes to addresses, and other talents that come in handy when delivering the mail.

But USPS jobs depend on openings, and she didn’t get an interview for two years.

Then, in August 1996, she was hired as a part-time flexible clerk.

She worked her way up through the ranks from there, to distribution clerk at the retail window to head window clerk to customer service supervisor, a management position that required four months of training in Portland.

She did have her sights on a postmaster position, “but there has to be an opening,” she said.

As supervisor, she filled in as postmaster when needed, so she learned about that position.

“When it came open, I applied for it,” she said.

As postmaster, she works on the budget and finances, and is the local face of the Postal Service, which means helping businesses get the best mail service for their needs.

She said the USPS has seen a decrease in mail volume due to more people choosing to pay bills online, and businesses deciding not to mail advertisements to cut costs.

But the Postal Service is changing with the times, she said, by offering a “stamps by mail” service, as well as a “Click and Ship” account where businesses can print their own postage.

Also, she said the Baker City post office has started recycling, and has set up two recycling tubs in the lobby where people can toss the mail they don’t want.