The board shall employ an executive director. The executive director shall be the secretary of the board and shall administer, manage, and direct the affairs and business of the board, subject to the policies, control, and direction of the board. The board may employ technical experts and such other officers, agents, and employees as they deem necessary, and may fix their qualifications, duties, and compensation. The executive director of the board shall be paid an amount to be determined by the board, but not to exceed that of a division director of the department of agriculture. The executive director and all other employees of the board shall be state employees and eligible for all corresponding benefits. The board may delegate to the executive director, or to one or more of its agents or employees, such powers and duties as it may deem proper.