(a) On or before July 1, 1981, the commission shall employ a director of utilities, who shall serve at the pleasure of the commission and whose salary shall be set by the commission.

(b) The director of utilities shall:

(1) Direct the activities of the utility divisions and sections;

(2) Manage and coordinate the commission's preparation of rate cases;

(3) Schedule and coordinate all in-house, reactive, regular, and engineering audits;

(4) Direct all utility personnel and the preparation of that section of the commission's budget; and

(5) Perform such other duties as the commission may establish by order.