I. The commissioner of transportation shall nominate an assistant commissioner for appointment by the governor, with the consent of the council. The assistant commissioner shall serve a term of 4 years. The assistant commissioner shall be a registered professional engineer and shall be otherwise qualified to hold that position by reason of education and experience. The assistant commissioner shall also be known as the chief engineer of the department.
II. The assistant commissioner shall perform such duties as are assigned by the commissioner. The assistant commissioner shall assume the duties of the commissioner in the event that the commissioner is unable for any reason to perform such duties.
III. The salary of the assistant commissioner shall be as specified in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 94:1-a.