'SpongeBob SquarePants': DUI Bust Won't Cost Squidward His Job

Rodger Bumpass -- aka Squidward Tentacles on "SpongeBob SquarePants" -- can rest easy ... he won't get sacked from the show for his DUI arrest.

Sources close to production tell us, execs don't view a DUI bust as a deal breaker, and good thing, because half of Hollywood would lose their jobs.

We're told the only basis for firing him would be the "morals clause," and the show takes the position getting a DUI is not an immoral act. Legally speaking, that's exactly right.

Bumpass told us he was worried sick he'd be fired.

TMZ broke the story ... Bumpass was busted January 15 after cops noticed his blue PT Cruiser in the middle of the road. They say he was propped on the hood, admitted drinking and driving and flunked a field sobriety test. Cops say his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.