Employees of postsecondary technical schools governed by the department who are appointed after July 1, 1987, or after the date on which the department assumes governance of the postsecondary technical schools shall have their compensation established in conformity with state board policy in accordance with the state board compensation plan in effect at the time of employment. Such employees shall receive benefits in effect at the time of employment available to state employees employed by the department. The benefits and compensation for any employee may be amended, increased, or decreased at any time as the department deems appropriate.