The officers and employees in the employ of the former boards and commissions enumerated in sections 12:2-13 of this title, and retained in their respective offices and positions at the time such boards and commissions became consolidated with the department, shall be continued as employees of the department unless removed in accordance with the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service. The director, however, may, with the approval of the board, abolish any office or position which in his judgment it may be unnecessary to retain.
N.J.S. § 12:2-12