For the conduct of or assistance in examinations under this chapter the director shall appoint as examiners only individuals who by reason of education, experience, or special training are competent to perform the duties and fulfill the responsibilities of an insurance examiner. In the selection of examiners the director shall give due consideration to standards and qualifications therefor recommended by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any successor organization thereto. The director may appoint, employ, fix the compensation of, prescribe and require the duties of and discharge such examiners as the duties of his office may require. Examiners who are employees of the department shall be nonclassified employees exempt from the provisions of chapter 53, title 67, Idaho Code.