(a)
(1) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subchapter, the State Plant Board shall employ, prescribe the duties of, and fix the compensation for a Director of the State Plant Board.
(2)
(A) With the approval of the State Plant Board, the director may employ such inspectors or other employees as may be required and may incur such expenses as may be necessary within the limits of the appropriation made by law.
(B) The State Plant Board shall be subject to all executive orders by the Governor instituting a hiring freeze or restriction applicable to all cabinet-level departments.
(b)
(1) The director shall be appointed by the State Plant Board with the approval of the Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
(2)
(A) The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
(B) The secretary shall serve as the liaison between the State Plant Board and the Governor.
(c)
(1) The director shall furnish a bond of five thousand dollars ($5,000) with sufficient sureties approved by the State Plant Board for the faithful performance of his or her duties of this subchapter and the rules of the State Plant Board.
(2) Any person suffering damage by reason of the acts or omissions of the chief inspector or his or her duly authorized deputies or employees may bring action on the bond for damages.
(3) The State Plant Board may require to indemnify the director that similar bonds shall be furnished by deputies, inspectors, or employees.
(d) The State Plant Board shall cooperate with other departments, boards, and officers of this state and of the United States as far as possible.
(e) The secretary shall not be appointed to the position of director.