Appointment and compensation; duties

In accordance with this part, the Commission may appoint, fix the compensation of, and define the authority and duties of officers and employees (other than the Administrator and Deputy Administrator) necessary for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Panama Canal and its complementary works, installations, and equipment. Individuals serving in any Executive agency (other than the Commission) or the Smithsonian Institution, including individuals in the uniformed services, may, if appointed under this section or section 3614 of this title, serve as officers or employees of the Commission. In the case of an individual who is an officer or employee of the Commission on November 17, 1997, and who has not had a break in service with the Commission since that date, the rate of basic pay for that officer or employee may not be less than the rate in effect for that officer or employee on that date except—