The State Geological Survey of Alabama and the State Oil and Gas Board may retain the services of faculty members or students of any institution of higher learning within the State of Alabama for the purposes of carrying on or supervising research and to conduct experimental matters and to do other related work in the field of geology and in the exploration, production and promotion of oil and gas in the State of Alabama. The services and compensation of such persons so retained or hired shall be in accordance with the conditions set forth in Sections 9-4-14 through 9-4-19.