N.J. Stat. § 40A:9-74
Every county clerk may appoint a deputy clerk or two deputy clerks, one administrative and one judicial, to hold office during the pleasure of the county clerk. Upon occurrence of a vacancy in the office of a county clerk by expiration of term, death, resignation or otherwise, the deputy clerk, or the deputy clerk with seniority in counties with two deputy clerks, shall have the same powers and perform all the duties of the office of county clerk until the vacancy is filled as provided by law.
During the absence or disability of the county clerk the deputy clerk or the deputy clerk with seniority, as appropriate, shall have the powers of the county clerk and perform the duties of the office.
The county clerk may appoint from among the employees in his office special deputy clerks to serve during his pleasure and prescribe their duties. No additional compensation shall be paid for such designation.
During the absence or disability of both the county clerk and deputy clerk or deputy clerk with seniority, as appropriate, the senior special deputy clerk shall have the powers of the county clerk and perform the duties of the office.
The county clerk shall select and employ necessary clerks and other employees. Every deputy clerk and special deputy clerk shall take and subscribe before a judge of the Superior Court an oath of office in like form and character as that required to be taken by the county clerk. Appointments and oaths of office shall be filed in the office of the county clerk.
N.J.S. § 40A:9-74