It will be the responsibility of the employee to coordinate dates and times with the Department Manager before the employee schedules any training or attends any educational programs so it does not interfere with the efficient operations of the department.
Probationary Period:
The objective of the probationary period shall be regarded as an integral part of the evaluation process and shall be utilized by supervisors and Department Managers for closely observing the employee's work, providing the probationary employee with continual feedback, and for changing the work pattern of a new employee whose performance does not meet the required job standards. This period is intended to familiarize probationary employees with existing departmental personnel and practices. Employees are still "at-will" employees during their probation period and may be terminated at any time, with or without notice or cause. Successful completion of the Probation Period does not guarantee continued employment for any certain period of time nor does it alter an employee's at-will relationship with the Village.
Duration of Probationary Period: (Excludes employees hired by the Fire and Police commission)
Every employee appointed to a regular position or promoted to a regular position shall be required to successfully complete a probationary period. The probationary period shall be of sufficient length to enable the Department Manager to evaluate the employee's ability to perform the principal duties of the position. The probationary period shall begin immediately upon original appointment or promotion. For original appointments it shall be a minimum of three (3) months and may be extended to a maximum of six (6) months. The probationary period for employees who have received a promotion shall be a minimum of one (1) month and may be extended to a maximum of three (3) months. A Department Manager may at any time after the minimum probationary period has been served and before the maximum has been reached evaluate the employee's performance and the probationary period should end. Salary increases during a probationary period shall be at the Village Manager's discretion.
Probationary Period Extension:
If there is reason to believe the employee may develop the ability to perform satisfactorily by an extension of the probationary period, the Village Manager may grant an extension, not to exceed six (6) months. There may be only one (1) extension of the probationary period. Prior to the end of each employee's probationary period, the Department Manager shall complete a performance review and notify the Village Manager, in writing, that either:
a) The employee has successfully completed the probationary period and is capable of performing the duties of the position satisfactorily.
b) The employee has not demonstrated ability to perform satisfactorily the duties of the position and is to be separated from Village employment, or if promoted from another position, returned to the previous one, if vacant; or
c) The employee may develop the ability to perform satisfactorily, and an extension of the probationary period is requested.
Termination During Probationary Period:
If at any time during the probationary period the Department Manager determines the employee's work has been deemed unsatisfactory, the employee may be terminated from Village or, in the case of a promoted employee, demoted to their prior position or a comparable position, if available, without the right to invoke the Grievance Procedures.
(Ord. 23-1853, passed 5-3-23)