(1) Initially the department shall be organized into divisions, including the division of highways, the division of public transportation, the division of aeronautics, the division of marine transportation, and the division of transportation planning and budget.

(2) The secretary may reorganize divisions in order to attain the maximum possible efficiency in the operation of the department. Each division shall be headed by an assistant secretary to be appointed by the secretary. The secretary may also appoint a deputy secretary as may be needed for the performance of the duties and functions vested in the department and may also appoint up to twelve ferry system management positions as defined in RCW 47.64.011. The secretary may delegate to officers within the several divisions of the department authority to employ personnel necessary to discharge the responsibilities of the department.

(3) The officers 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 officers exempt from the operation of the state civil service law.