A. All original and promotional appointments shall be tentative, and subject to a probationary period of six consecutive months of service for original appointments and three months for promotional appointments. Absences off the job, excluding approved paid leave, shall not be counted and will extend the probationary period by the number of days absent.

B. During the initial six-month period of employment, probationary employees may be terminated at any time if the supervisor, acting in good faith, is actually dissatisfied with the employee’s performance.

C. Upon completion of six months’ continuous service satisfactory to the supervisor, the probationary employee shall be deemed to have demonstrated their qualifications to fulfill the position. They shall then gain regular status within the terms stipulated by the appointing authority in establishing the position. In the event the employee’s performance does not clearly demonstrate the requisite qualifications or is otherwise unsatisfactory to the supervisor, the probationary period may be extended by the department director.

D. In the case of promotional appointments, the promoted employee may be demoted at any time during the probationary period. Such a demoted employee is entitled to reinstatement to the job from which they had been promoted, provided it is still available, even though this necessitates a layoff of the newly hired employee occupying this position. This right of return by demoted employees is valid only if the demotion is for reasons of demonstrated lack of qualifications in the higher position.

E. This section, in its entirety, does not apply to appointed employees. (Ord. 2019-09 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2018-13 § 3, 2018; Ord. 2012-39 § 3, 2012; Ord. 2003-58 § 7, 2003; Ord. 98-009 § 8, 1998; Ord. 96-047 § 5, 1996; Ord. 94-023 §§ 2, 3, 1994; Ord. 86-017 § 12, 1986; Ord. 84-102 § 2, 1985. 2004 Code § 2.24.141.)