Wat. Code, § 80122

The department may do any of the following as may be, in the determination of the department, necessary for the purposes of this division:

(a) Hire and appoint employees as required, at salary levels determined by the director to be competitive to attract and retain persons with the necessary expertise and skills. Prior to hiring or appointing an employee at a salary in excess of a salary approved by the Department of Human Resources, the director shall submit the proposed salary to the Director of Finance who shall submit it to the Legislature in accordance with Section 27.00 of the annual Budget Act. No excess salary authorized under this section may be paid on or after January 1, 2003. The excess portion of a salary authorized under this section may not be considered salary in the calculation of final compensation for purposes of benefits under the Public Employees’ Retirement System.

(b) Engage the services of private parties to render professional and technical assistance and advice and other services in carrying out the purposes of this division.

(c) Contract for the services of other public agencies.

(d) The State Personnel Board and the Department of Human Resources shall assist the department in expediting the hiring of personnel necessary and desirable for the timely and successful implementation and administration of the department’s duties and responsibilities pursuant to this division.