The amount of compensation which persons whose services are retained to do research, experimental, promotional and related work for the Geological Survey of Alabama and the State Oil and Gas Board shall be specified in the written agreement provided for and required by the terms of Sections 9-4-14 through 9-4-19. Such compensation shall be paid from the State Geological Survey funds or the state oil and gas funds depending upon which agency enters into the said service contract. The compensation for such services shall be paid at such times and in the same manner as regular state employees are paid for their employment to such agencies.
Ala. Code § 9-4-19 (1975)