Ala. Code § 14-1-4: Officers and Employees Generally.

(a) The department may appoint officers and employees as it may require for the performance of its duties and shall fix and determine their qualifications, duties, and authority. The employees of the department, except the commissioner, the deputy commissioners, appointed administrators, and other exempt positions allowed by law shall be subject to the law with respect to the method, selection, classification, and compensation of state employees on the basis of merit.

(b) The department shall not rescind any employee position with the classification of “correctional officer” and replace him or her with an employee of a lower classification or pay.

(c) The rules of the State Personnel Department shall not be applicable to the appointment, tenure, or compensation of physicians, surgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, dentists, or allied professional supportive personnel employed by the department.

(d) The deputy commissioners and all other appointed personnel shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner .