The chief engineer, subject to the approval of the secretary of agriculture, may establish field offices within this state to secure the best protection to all claimants of water therein and the most economical supervision thereof. Subject to the approval of the secretary of agriculture, the chief engineer may appoint a water commissioner for each field office so established, in accordance with the Kansas civil service laws, who shall be the agent of the chief engineer in supervising the distribution of waters within the area served by such field office, according to the rights and priorities of all parties concerned, and who shall perform such other duties as the chief engineer may direct.