The Commission is hereby authorized to employ three oil and gas referees who shall be in the unclassified service. Any person filling the position of oil and gas referee shall be a graduate of an accredited college or university with a degree in law, geology, petroleum engineering or similar fields related to hydrocarbon extraction, or possesses significant experience in the practice of law or the exploration, production or supervision of oil or gas operations. Each oil and gas referee shall also be familiar with state statutes and Commission rules and regulations governing oil and gas operations. The oil and gas referees shall hear such cases and exercise such powers as the Commission shall direct. The Commission may establish such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement this section. The referees shall be subject to the overall supervision and direction of the General Administrator.