New employees in regular and seasonal positions serve an initial probationary period of six (6) months, twelve (12) months, or eighteen (18) months, depending on the classification and representation unit. Most clerical, technical, and inspection classes have an initial probationary period of six months. Supervisory, professional and paraprofessional classes, and those which are exempt from collective bargaining, generally have a one-year probationary period. Positions that include an on-the-job training period generally have an 18-month probationary period. The probationary period is a test period of on-the-job performance. You need to demonstrate that your work and conduct will meet the standards established for your job. 

Upon completion of the probationary period, and any extensions of it, you will have permanent status, and you cannot be separated without cause. (If your position is "at-will," the probationary period does not pertain to your job, since you may be separated at any time at the discretion of the employer.) During the initial probationary period, you may be released from service by the department without cause, and without any right of appeal. It is possible that your department may have to terminate you for administrative reasons; this could be to accommodate an employee who is being returned to their former class or department. If you are released during initial probation, or if you resign in lieu of release, it is not necessarily a negative reflection on you. Usually it has to do with job-person match, and the job may not be as rewarding for you as you had first expected. You are still eligible to apply for other County positions.

If you promote, demote, or transfer to another department after completing your initial probationary period, the department may, at their discretion, return you to the former class and department within the new probationary period that occurred with the change. If you promote within your initial probationary period and do not successfully complete that probationary period, you can be released without return rights to the former position.