The department employees shall have such general duties and receive such compensation as determined by the director. The director shall be responsible for administration of state personnel policies and general department personnel policies. The director shall have sole authority to employ and discharge employees subject to such personnel policies and funding available for that purpose.

In all instances, the director shall serve as the chief administrative officer of the department and shall have the responsibility of executing policies, directives, and actions of the department either personally or by issuing appropriate directives to the employees.

The goal of the provisions of this section is to ensure that the department’s business is conducted according to sound administrative practice, without unnecessary interference with its internal affairs. Public officers and employees shall be guided by this goal and comply with these provisions.