RD Instruction 2054-U

PART 2054 - EMPLOYMENT

Subpart U - Probationary and Trial Periods and Reports Requirements

§ 2054.1001 [General]{.underline}.

This instruction provides the guidelines and procedures for the
appraisal of employees who must serve a probationary when selected for a
career-conditional or career appointment from a certificate of
eligibles, or trial period when selected under a term appointment or an
excepted service appointment.

§ 2054.1002 [Probation on initial appointment to a competitive service
position]{.underline}.

\(a\) [General]{.underline}. The required probationary period is one
year. The requirements governing probationary periods for employees
selected for a career-conditional or career appointment from a
certificate of eligibles are provided in 5 CFR 315 Subpart H.

\(b\) [Crediting prior service]{.underline}. Prior Federal civilian
service (including nonappropriated fund service) counts toward
completion of probation when the prior service:

\(1\) Is in USDA;

\(2\) Is in the same line of work (determined by the employee\'s actual
duties and responsibilities); and

\(3\) Contains or is followed by no more than a single break in service
that does not exceed 30 calendar days.

\(c\) [Supervisor\'s responsibility during the probationary
period]{.underline}. Supervisors of probationary employees are
responsible for:

\(1\) Providing appropriate training, supervision, guidance, coaching,
and counseling.

\(2\) Closely observing the employee\'s conduct, general character
traits, and performance.

DISTRIBUTION: WSAL Personnel

Hours and Pay

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(03-17-04) PN 372

RD Instruction 2054-U

§ 2054.1002(c) (Con.)

\(3\) Initiating action to remove the employee at any time it becomes
apparent that the employee\'s conduct, general character traits, or
capacity do not fit him/her for satisfactory service. The supervisor
should notify the servicing Human Resources Office as soon as the need
for this action is apparent.

\(4\) Completing Form AD-507, \"Probationary or Trial Period Report.\"

\(5\) Continuing to monitor the employee\'s performance and conduct
until the end of the probation period and reporting to the servicing
Human Resources Office any changes that have an effect on the completed
Form AD-507.

\(d\) Form AD-507, \"Probationary or Trial Period Report.\"

\(1\) Upon receipt of Form AD-507 from the servicing Human Resources
Office, the supervisor:

\(i\) Completes Blocks 12-19 following the instructions on the reverse
of the form.

\(ii\) Consults with previous supervisors if the employee has changed
positions during the year.

\(iii\) Forwards Form AD-507 to the reviewing official (the second-level
supervisor) in a sealed envelope.

\(2\) The reviewing official completes Blocks 20-22 and forwards the
form to the servicing Human Resources Office by the due date indicated.

\(3\) The servicing Human Resources Office:

\(i\) Forwards Form AD-507 to the supervisor.

\(ii\) Reviews the returned form for completeness.

\(iii\) Follows up on any action required because of the recommendation
on the report.

\(iv\) Files a copy of the form in the employee\'s Employee Performance
Folder (EPF).

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RD Instruction 2054-U

§ 2054.1003 (Con.)

§ 2054.1003 [Probation on initial appointment to a supervisory or
managerial position]{.underline}.

\(a\) [General]{.underline}. Upon initial appointment to a supervisory
or managerial position, an employee is required to complete a
probationary period. This also includes when a position is filled on a
temporary basis for one year or more, or when the possibility exists
that the selection could be made permanent. The basic requirements for
this probationary period are provided in 5 CFR 315 Subpart I.

\(b\) [Probationary Period]{.underline}. In accordance with 5 CFR
315.904, an employee is required to complete a single probationary
period in a supervisory position and a single probationary period in a
managerial position. The probationary period for new supervisors and new
managers is one year. Exception: An employee who has satisfactorily
completed a probationary period as a supervisor is not required to serve
a new probationary period as a manager when justified on the basis of
performance and experience. The selecting official may recommend waiver
of the probationary period in such cases. The recommendation will be
forwarded to the servicing Human Resources Office for review and final
approval.

\(c\) [Supervisor\'s responsibility]{.underline}. The supervisor of a
new supervisor or manager is responsible for:

\(1\) Providing the employee the guidance necessary to successfully
carry out the managerial or supervisory aspects of the position.

\(2\) Observing the employee\'s performance and assessing problems.

\(3\) Initiating action to remove the employee from the position if it
becomes apparent, after a full-and-fair trial, that the employee\'s
ability to perform supervisory and/or managerial functions is not
satisfactory.

\(4\) Completing Form AD-773, \"Supervisory or Managerial Probationary
Period Report.\"

\(5\) Continuing to observe and appraise the employee following
completion of this form and reporting any change that would affect the
employee's appraisal or recommended action.

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(03-17-04) PN 372

RD Instruction 2054-U

§ 2054.1003 (Con.)

\(d\) Form AD-773, \"Supervisory or Managerial Probationary Period
Report.\"

\(1\) The supervisor, upon receipt of Form AD-773:

\(i\) Completes Blocks 12-18 following the instructions on the reverse
of the form.

\(ii\) Forwards the form to the reviewing official in a sealed envelope.

\(2\) The reviewing official:

\(i\) Reviews and evaluates the report and completes Blocks 19-21.

\(ii\) Requests additional information, if needed.

\(iii\) Attaches any comments to the report.

\(iv\) Forwards the form to the servicing Human Resources Office by the
due date indicated.

\(3\) The servicing Human Resources Office:

\(i\) Forwards Form AD-773 to the supervisor.

\(ii\) Reviews the returned form for completeness.

\(iii\) Follows up on any action required because of the recommendation
on the report.

\(iv\) Distributes copies of the form to the employee and the
employee\'s Official Personnel Folder.

§§ 2054.1004- 2054.1050 \[Reserved\]

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