Whenever the district acquires existing facilities from a publicly or privately owned utility, either in proceedings by eminent domain or otherwise, to the extent necessary for operation of facilities, all of the employees of such utility whose duties pertain to the facilities acquired who have been employed by such utility for at least 75 days shall be appointed to comparable positions in the district without examination. These employees shall be given sick leave, seniority, and vacation credits in accordance with the records of the acquired public utility. No employee of any acquired public utility shall suffer any worsening of wages, seniority, pension, vacation, or other benefits by reason of the acquisition.
The provisions of this section shall apply only to those officers or supervisory employees of the acquired utility as shall be designated by the board.