(1) An agency shall establish a probationary period for a newly-hired permanent or seasonal employee and set the length of the probationary period.

(2) An appropriate probationary period is a minimum of 6 calendar months to a maximum of 1 calendar year, unless otherwise provided by law, or extended beyond the maximum by ARM 2.21.3809.

(3) The agency shall inform the employee of the length of the probationary period at the time of employment.

(4) The agency is permitted but not required to credit time in an approved leave of absence without pay toward completion of a probationary period.   This includes leaves of absence between seasons for a seasonal employee.   Employees returning from an approved leave of absence without pay are not required to begin a new probationary period.

(5) The agency shall complete a performance appraisal for an employee pursuant to the performance appraisal policy, ARM 2.21.6401 et seq.

(6) Unless an employee receives written notification that the employee has not satisfactorily completed the established probationary period on or before the end of the probationary period, the employee attains permanent status.