SDCL § 5-1-3: Appointment of deputy commissioner--Oath of office--Powers.

The commissioner of school and public lands is authorized to appoint a deputy, for whose acts he shall be responsible. The appointment shall be in writing and revocable at the pleasure of the commissioner. Before entering upon the duties of his office, the deputy shall take and subscribe the constitutional official oath, such appointment and oath to be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State. In case of the absence or disability of the commissioner the deputy shall possess the powers and perform the duties of the commissioner.