1. The director shall appoint two coal mine inspectors and four noncoal mine inspectors, each of whom shall have had at least five years’ experience and one year of practical mine safety training in the type of mining for which he is appointed, but in no case shall an inspector be interested in or receive any economic favors from any interested party in any mine. Each inspector shall receive an annual salary of eight thousand four hundred dollars. The director shall classify, supervise, and direct the work of the inspectors who, at all times, shall be amenable to him.

2. The director may appoint a secretary, one clerk, and such clerical employees as may be necessary to the efficient operation of the inspection section. The director shall determine the annual salaries of the secretary and clerical employees within the limits of the appropriations for the inspection section.

3. All appointees in each classification shall be selected as nearly as practicable in equal numbers from each of the two political parties casting the highest and next highest number of votes for governor at the last preceding state election.