(1) The director shall, subject to the provisions of section 13 of article XII of the state constitution, appoint the head of the office of active and inactive mines, subject to the supervision and control of the director. The head of the office of active and inactive mines shall have knowledge of mine health and safety practices, an understanding of mining technologies, and reclamation practices.
(2) The director may hire such competent persons, including authorized representatives, as the director deems necessary and proper for carrying out the purposes of articles 20 to 24, 32, and 33 of this title, and such persons shall comprise the office staff.