Most new permanent appointees must complete a probationary working test, and the appointing authority can remove an employee during probation if the employee is not performing satisfactorily.
36.250. Probationary periods. — 1. Every person appointed to a permanent position described under subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of section 36.030 shall be required to successfully complete a working test during a probationary period which shall be of sufficient length to enable the appointing authority to observe the employee's ability to perform the various duties pertaining to the position. 2. The director shall by regulation establish the standards governing normal length of the probationary period for different classes of positions. The regulations shall specify the criteria for reducing or lengthening the probationary period for individuals within the various classes. The minimum probationary period shall be three months. The maximum probationary period shall be eighteen months for top professional personnel and personnel with substantial supervisory or administrative responsibilities, and twelve months for all others. However, a probationary period shall not be required for an employee reinstated within two years after layoff or demotion in lieu of layoff by the same division of service. 3. Prior to the expiration of an employee's probationary period, the appointing authority shall notify the director and the employee in writing whether the services of the employee have been satisfactory and whether the appointing authority will continue the employee in the employee's position. 4. At any time during the probationary period the appointing authority may remove an employee if, in the opinion of the appointing authority, the working test indicates that the employee is unable or unwilling to perform the duties of the position satisfactorily. Upon removal, the appointing authority shall forthwith report to the director and to the employee removed, in writing, the appointing authority's action and the reason thereof. An employee who is found by the director to have been appointed through fraud shall be removed within ten days of notification of the appointing authority. (L. 1945 p. 1157 § 26, A.L. 1979 H.B. 673, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1146, A.L. 2018 S.B. 1007, A.L. 2023 S.B. 111)