N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:4-38

The commissioner may appoint such clerks and other employees for the department as he may deem necessary and fix their compensation subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, of the Revised Statutes, except where otherwise provided by law, which compensation shall be payable as other state salaries are paid, on the certificate of the commissioner and shall not exceed in the aggregate the sum annually appropriated therefor.