In addition to the exemptions set forth in RCW
41.06.070, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply in the department of transportation to the secretary, a deputy secretary, an administrative assistant to the secretary, if any, one assistant secretary for each division designated pursuant to RCW
47.01.081, one confidential secretary for each of the above-named officers, up to six transportation district administrators and one confidential secretary for each district administrator, up to six additional new administrators or confidential secretaries designated by the secretary of the department of transportation and approved by the Washington personnel resources board pursuant to the provisions of RCW
41.06.070, the legislative liaison for the department, the state construction engineer, the state aid engineer, the personnel manager, the state project development engineer, the state maintenance and operations engineer, one confidential secretary for each of the last-named five positions, and a confidential secretary for the public affairs administrator. The individuals appointed under this section shall be exempt from the provisions of the state civil service law, and shall be paid salaries to be fixed by the governor in accordance with the procedure established by law for the fixing of salaries for individuals exempt from the operation of the state civil service law.