Petitioner asserts (1) that his termination was arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and effectuated in bad faith, and (2) that the officer who discharged him acted without authority. Special Term dismissed the petition in this CPLR article 78 proceeding. We concur with that decision.

A probationary employee may be terminated without reasons and without a hearing ( De Salvo v. Kolb, 54 A.D.2d 991). Our review of such termination is limited to an inquiry as to whether it was made in bad faith and was, therefore, arbitrary and capricious ( Matter of King v. Sapier, 47 A.D.2d 114, affd 38 N.Y.2d 960). The burden of proof in that regard is upon petitioner. Petitioner has failed to meet that burden. The record discloses that petitioner's performance was marginal on his first evaluation and that more serious deficiencies surfaced later. His second evaluation indicated inadequate management, supervisory and interpersonal skills, all of which were necessary to the successful discharge of the duties of his position. Although petitioner had been advised of the dissatisfaction with his performance, nonetheless, his work effort and product continued to decline. He was, therefore, terminated. On this record, we cannot say that petitioner's termination was arbitrary and capricious and made in bad faith. We find no merit, as well, to petitioner's challenge to the authority of the officer who terminated him.

Judgment affirmed, without costs. Mahoney, P.J., Casey, Mikoll, Yesawich, Jr., and Harvey, JJ., concur.