Fema Employment

Is my employment at will?

Just got an offer letter from a city government in the state of Maryland. The letter says I'll be put under a scrutiny during a minimum of 6 month probation, and if the probationary period ends with a satisfactory evaluation then I'll be changed to a "regular" employee. The prior person's probation was ended at the 6th month. Is this scary? Not sure how strict they'll be with me at this city government. If you were offered this kind of position, would you take it if you had no other offer? Also, the offer does NOT say my employment is "at will". Could this mean that I'll be tenured if they get to like me during the probation? Again this is at a city (municipal) government I meant the "offer letter" does not say that my employment is "at will". What I meant as well was the prior person was released from the position because my supervisor-to-be decided not to extend the probation. Same as having got fired. Well the real question is since the offer letter does NOT say my employment is at will does it mean that if they like me and change me to a regular employee, I can stay with the city government for life?

Public Comments

1. Dude, I live in Elkridge, MD and work for the gov. You have to do a LOT of stupid crap to not get through your probationary period. And 6 months is short - most probationary periods are 12 - 24 months. Take the job.
2. Although I don't work in a government position, I also went through a six month probationary period at my job. I really don't think this is an uncommon thing. If this job is what you want, then take it and try not to worry,
3. Most city/state/federal jobs are covered under a collective barganing agreement. However everyone must make it through the evaluation period before being let into the union. Once in the union it is pretty dang hard to loose your job unless there is a down sizing going on... If it were me.. would depend on the job.. and how badly I wanted.. and how much I actually knew about the actual job before taking it. What ever you do, don't call in sick during the probationary period.. that can be a reason they let the other person go.. Good luck
4. Typically, a probationary period is considered "at will" and an employee can be let go for any reason that management sees fit. Once the probationary period is over the municipal employee's union would handle all matters relating to termination of employment and, understandably, it's much more difficult to fire an employee unless there is firm evidence of theft, lying, etc.
5. Maryland has 157 municipalities (aka cities or towns) including Baltimore City. Each city may or may not be covered under collective bargaining. If you were hired by a city with only 50 employees - they may not have a union and your probationary period is "at-will" unless otherwise specified. If you were hired by Baltimore City, your probationary period is likely covered under the union's collective bargaining agreement. If the other person was let go at the 6 month mark, that person may not have lived up to the expectations of the job. Try to outdo your predecessor and those 6 months will fly by without worry. Good luck.