No department, institution, commission, board or body of the State Government, or of any political subdivision thereof shall designate, appoint or employ an engineer or any person to be in responsible charge of professional engineering work other than a duly qualified professional engineer who has been licensed by the State of New Jersey, prior to the designation, appointment or employment by such department, institution, commission, board or body of the State Government, or any political subdivision thereof.
Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary no professional engineer licensed in this State prior to the passage of this chapter and holding an appointment by the State or by any department, institution, commission, board or body of the State Government, or any political subdivision thereof, shall be deprived of the right of reappointment to the same office or position or appointment to any other office or position requiring similar qualifications.
N.J.S. § 45:8-42