Section 1F. The director of the division of fisheries and wildlife shall be appointed and may be removed by the board of the division of fisheries and wildlife and the position of director shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter thirty-one. The director, subject to the approval of the fisheries and wildlife board, may appoint, without regard for the provisions of chapter thirty-one, an assistant director for natural heritage and endangered species and may assign to such assistant director appropriate duties related to the area of natural heritage and endangered species protection and management. The director and assistant director shall be qualified by training and experience to conduct the duties assigned to them. The director, with the approval of the board, may employ such experts, clerks and other employees from time to time, and for such periods as he may determine to be necessary for its operations.