The township board, with the approval of the county engineer, shall appoint, on merits only, a competent experienced road builder for road overseer for the entire township. The township road overseer shall have charge of the construction and maintenance of all township roads, bridges and culverts, under the supervision of the township board and the county engineer. When in the opinion of the county engineer the conditions demand it, the overseer may appoint one or more competent assistants, subject to the approval of the township board. The township board may designate a member of the township board to act as road overseer. Compensation and the cost of benefits provided to such officer for such work and labor shall be determined by the township board as provided by Kan. Stat. Ann. § 80-207, and amendments thereto.