R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.4-3: Assistance to board.

(a) The director of the department of environmental management shall provide assistance to the board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. The director shall provide office space for meetings of the board, necessary record-keeping assistance, and clerical and staff assistance.

(b) The division of personnel of the department of administration shall provide assistance to the board to administer, prepare, and grade any examinations, as deemed necessary by the board. The results of the examinations shall be forwarded to the board for their action.

(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the board from hiring its own employees.