1.    An individual is not eligible to the office of chief boiler inspector unless that individual:

a.    Has had at the time of the appointment at least five years’ experience in the construction, inspection, operation, maintenance, or repair of high-pressure boilers and pressure vessels as a mechanical engineer, boilermaker, steam operating engineer, or boiler inspector. An applicant possessing a mechanical engineering degree from an accredited school may substitute that degree for two years of the five years’ experience, at the discretion of the department.

b.    Holds a commission issued by the national board of boiler and pressure vessel inspectors or obtains the commission within one year after the date of appointment by the department.

c.    Is not directly or indirectly interested in the manufacture or sale of boilers or steam machinery or articles used in the construction or maintenance of engines or boilers.

2.    The department shall establish qualifications for a deputy inspector which are not inconsistent with the requirements of the position.