California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 7072

The board may, at any time, appoint or employ, fix the compensation of and prescribe the authority and duties of other officers, employees, attorneys, engineers and consultants necessary or convenient for the business of the district, each of whom shall serve at the pleasure of the board.

When, pursuant to Section 7046, the legislative body of a city is the board of directors of a district, and appoints the administrative officer of the district, he shall have the authority to appoint, employ, and to fix the compensation of and prescribe the authority and duties of, the employees of the district, excluding attorneys, auditors or consultants.  The employees employed or appointed by the administrative officer shall serve at his pleasure.