California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 25217

(a) Appoint an executive director with administration and fiscal experience, who shall serve at its pleasure and whose duties and salary shall be prescribed by the commission.

(b) Employ and prescribe the duties of other staff members as necessary to carry out the provisions of this division.  Staff members of the commission may participate in all matters before the commission to the limits prescribed by the commission.

(c) Employ legal counsel who shall advise the commission and represent it in connection with legal matters and litigation before any boards and agencies of the state or federal government.