California Code, Public Utilities Code - PUC § 107020

(a) The district may hire an independent staff of its own or contract with any department or agency of the United States or with any public or private entity to implement this part.

(b) The district may contract with public or private entities in conformance with applicable procurement procedures for the procurement of engineering, project management, and contract management services.

(c) The board shall fix the compensation of the district's officers and employees.

(d) The district may employ employees and agents as the board may deem necessary to carry out its powers and duties, including, but not limited to, a general manager and legal counsel.  The general manager and legal counsel shall be selected by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, and upon the terms prescribed by, the board.