(1) The judges of the judicial district in which a small claims court has been created shall appoint a judge of the small claims court who shall:
(a) take the oath required of judges;
(b) serve at the pleasure of the district court judges;
(c) be paid a salary set by the district court judges and actual and necessary travel expenses, as defined and provided in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503; and
(d) be an attorney licensed to practice law in Montana.
(2) The judges of the district court may appoint more than one small claims court judge for any small claims court. The salary shall be prorated among the judges appointed.