"Day zero" is considered anything that happens prior to you starting your new position with the City. 

There will be a packet of online information that you will complete before starting with the City. The packet can vary a bit depending on your position and what department you will be working for. This should all be completed before you experience your first day! 

In addition, all paid positions with the City require pre-employment background checks and drug screening. Hiring managers will send information to walk you through this process before your first day.

Your new employee orientation will happen in your first week of employment.

This will be your opportunity to learn the details that most urgently effect you as a new employee, including how you get paid and critical information about your benefits. 

During orientation you will be able to put a face to your new HR team and the supporting cast that will compliment your career during your time with the City. 

All city employees are invited to attend onboarding classes. These events are hosted by the seven different departments throughout the City of Olathe.

You will have the opportunity to attend classes with your co-workers from all different divisions throughout the City to learn what makes each aspect of the City run.

Classes you will be able to attend include:

• City Manager's Office
• Customer Service and IT
• Legal and Municipal Court
• Parks & Rec
• Police and Fire 
• Public Works
• Resource Management & Library

There is a chance that you won't be able finish the entire onboarding schedule in your first year as a city employee. But, when you do, we will celebrate! You will attend a graduation ceremony with all of your co-workers who have also been fully onboarded with the City. 

The City of Olathe's learning program called "Your Path" allows you to chart your own course for learning and growth! Your Path includes three primary paths, including: Your Path to Growth, Your Path to Leading, and Your Path to LiveWell.  Each path includes a variety of training class topics and development resources that will support each employee in charting their unique path to meet their goals.

Your Path to Growth

Your Path to Growth will enhance your leadership skills, including classes like Tips for Better Communication, Crucial Conversations, Ethics, Leadership Philosophy, and Extended DISC. 

Your Path to Leading

Your Path to Leading has four leadership routes for employees to explore:

• Leading Teams & Projects
• Preparing for Supervision
• Effective Supervision
• Strategic Leadership

Each route offers classes to meet employees where they are at in their journey to leading others. Some of the classes offered to employees include Five Coaching Skills of a Leader, Coaching Your Team to Success, Today’s Approach to Supervision, and Beginning Your Leadership Journey.

Your Path to LiveWell

Your Path to LiveWell supports employees in their pursuit of growth under the six elements of the City of Olathe’s wellbeing program, LiveWell. Classes support both personal and professional goals cover topics such as fitness, nutrition, safety, and financial wellness.

Olathe University is an online education platform providing access to a variety of online courses and registration for face-to-face training, including all of the training outlined in the City’s Your Path program. New classes will be added regularly, so an employee’s opportunity to learn and grow never ends and includes topics relevant to today.

Thinking about going back to school?

The City of Olathe offers education reimbursement for regular full-time employees with one or more years of service. Qualifying employees can be reimbursed for the cost of tuition and books up to $2,000 per year.