(a) The secretary of transportation may organize the department of transportation in the manner he or she deems most efficient, so long as the same is not in conflict with the provisions of this act or other provisions of law, and he or she may adopt rules or regulations governing the transaction of all business of the department and governing the administration of each of the divisions within the department. The chief administrative officer of each division shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as the secretary of transportation may prescribe and such duties and powers as are prescribed by law. Such chief administrative officers shall act for and exercise the powers of the secretary of transportation to the extent authority to do so is delegated by the secretary of transportation.

(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this act, and subject to the Kansas civil service act, the chief administrative officer of each division shall appoint all subordinate officers and employees of his or her division, subject to the approval of the secretary, and all such subordinate officers and employees shall be within the classified service under the Kansas civil service act. Personnel of each division shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as the chief administrative officer of the division may prescribe and such duties and powers as are designated by law. Personnel of each division shall act for and exercise the powers of the chief administrative officer of their division to the extent authority to do so is delegated by such administrative officer.