I. The commissioner of safety shall nominate 2 assistant commissioners for appointment by the governor, with the consent of the council. Each assistant commissioner shall serve a term of 4 years, coincident with that of the commissioner, and may be reappointed. The assistant commissioner shall be qualified to hold that position by reason of education and experience.
II. Each assistant commissioner shall perform such duties as are assigned by the commissioner. In the event that the commissioner is unable for any reason to perform his or her duties, the assistant commissioner who has served in that capacity longer shall assume the duties of the commissioner, unless otherwise designated by the commissioner. The assistant commissioners shall be responsible for the operations of the bureau of hearings, and shall, subject to the supervision of the commissioner, exercise authority as required to ensure that the divisions and their directors are implementing the organizational goals and managing the work of the department in an effective manner.
III. The salary of the assistant commissioner shall be as specified in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 94:1-a.