Probationary Period

Date Established: October 19, 2020
Date Last Updated: October 19, 2020

Purpose
The probationary period is designed to allow the City an opportunity to observe the new employee’s ability to perform the assigned duties, and to focus the supervisor’s attention on the need for specific development of the new employee.

Policy Statement

Regular Appointment or Rejection of Probationary Employee
Upon original appointment, regular employees are subject to a six-month probationary period, except Firefighters, Public Safety Dispatchers, and Police Officers. Firefighters and Public Safety Dispatchers are subject to a twelve-month probationary period.

In the case of Police Officers, if the employee has successfully completed training at the Iowa law enforcement academy or another training facility certified by the director of the Iowa law enforcement academy before the initial appointment as a Police Officer, the probationary period shall be for a period of up to nine months and shall commence with the date of initial appointment as a police patrol officer. If the employee has not successfully completed training at the Iowa law enforcement academy before initial appointment as a Police Officer, the probationary period shall commence with the date of initial employment as a police patrol officer and shall continue for a period of up to nine months following the date of successful completion of training at the Iowa law enforcement academy or another training facility certified by the director of the Iowa law enforcement academy. A Police Officer transferring employment from one jurisdiction to another shall be employed subject to a probationary period of up to nine months.

Following a break in service of more than two weeks, a regular employee’s probationary period shall be extended by a period of time equal to the break in service.

The employee’s progress will be monitored, documented and discussed with the employee throughout the probationary period. Prior to the end of the probationary period the supervisor shall complete a written performance appraisal and review it with the employee.

A probationary employee may be discharged for any lawful reason without right to appeal. A person discharged during a probationary period shall, at the time of discharge, be given a notice in writing stating the reason or reasons for the dismissal. A copy of such notice shall be promptly filed with the Human Resources Director who shall, if the position is under Civil Service, forward a copy to the Clerk of the Civil Service Commission. Continuance in the position after expiration of the probationary period shall constitute a regular appointment.

Contact Information
Human Resources Department
hr@cityofames.org
515-239-5199