A clerk-of-the-works must be employed to assist in the inspection of the construction of a public improvement when directed by the director. The clerk shall report directly to the professional architect-engineer of record for the project. In addition, the clerk shall provide a report of all correspondence sent or received by the clerk to the owner. The budget for the public improvement must include funding for the clerk. The clerk must be hired through an open advertising and interview process by the owner and the architect-engineer. The clerk candidate recommended by the architect-engineer is subject to approval by both the owner and the director before being hired. The architect-engineer may terminate or impose disciplinary action on the clerk after consultation with the owner. The clerk must possess qualifications of education and experience in construction technology and administration compatible with the needs of the public improvement. The director may adopt rules relative to this section.   [PL 1993, c. 606, §1 (AMD).]