Cal. Water Code § 85201

(a) The chairperson shall serve full time. Other members shall serve one-third time. The council may select a vice chairperson and other officers determined to be necessary.
(b) Each member of the council shall receive the salary provided for in Section 11564 of the Government Code.
(c) The members of the council shall be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of official duties.
(d) The council shall appoint an executive officer who shall serve full time at the pleasure of the council.
(e) The executive officer shall hire employees necessary to carry out council functions.
(f) The number of employees and qualifications of those employees shall be determined by the council, subject to the availability of funds.
(g) The salary of each employee of the council shall be determined by the State Personnel Board, and shall reflect the duties and responsibilities of the position.
(h) All persons employed by the council are state employees, subject to the duties, responsibilities, limitations, and benefits of the state.