N.D. Cent. Code § 23.1-01-01
The department of environmental quality is established and is the primary state environmental agency. The governor shall appoint a director of the department who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director must have a bachelor of science degree or higher from an accredited college in a natural or physical science area of study or be a registered professional engineer. The governor shall seek to appoint a director with at least seven years of environmental health or relevant engineering work experience. Three years of the work experience must include administrative and management responsibilities. Direct work experience in North Dakota is preferred. The director may not engage in any other occupation or business that may conflict with the statutory duties of the director. The position of director of the department is not a classified position, and the governor shall set the salary of the director within the limits of legislative appropriations.
N.D.C.C. § 23.1-01-01