The director of the department shall be the county engineer and shall be a licensed, professional engineer or qualified under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 68-501. The director shall have full authority to manage and direct the department and its employees, subject to the general supervision of the board acting as a governing body. The director shall keep the board fully advised as to the operations of the department, prepare plans and programs for the consideration of the board and make such reports and studies as the board may require.