(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Public officer or employee” means any person who renders service to and is paid therefor by a public employer.
(b) “Public employer” means the state or a county, city, school district or other public corporation, commission, agency, board or entity organized for a public purpose.
(2) Public employers shall grant leaves of absence without pay for at least two years to any full-time salaried public officer or employee who serves, and while the public officer or employee serves, as a volunteer in the Peace Corps. Upon expiration of the leave the public officer or employee shall have the right to be reinstated to the position held before the leave was granted and at the salary rates prevailing for such positions on the date of resumption of duty, without loss of seniority or other employment rights, if any. Failure of the officer or employee to report within 90 days after termination of service shall be cause for dismissal.