Except as provided in this title or otherwise by law, all positions in the Executive Branch of State government that are included in the State Personnel Management System are in the skilled service. The skilled service includes any other position that is specified by law to be in the skilled service.

Except as otherwise provided by law, a position in the Executive Branch of State government is in the professional service if the position: requires knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a course of specialized intellectual instruction and study; and normally requires a professional license, advanced degree, or both. The professional service includes any other position that is determined by the Secretary to be in the professional service.

Except as otherwise provided by law, a position in the Executive Branch of State government is in the management service if the position: primarily involves direct responsibility for the oversight and management of personnel and financial resources; requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment; and is not in the executive service. The management service includes any other position that is determined by the Secretary to be in the management service.

Except as otherwise provided by law, the following positions in the Executive Branch of State government are in the executive service: the chief administrator of a principal unit or a comparable position that is not excluded from the State Personnel Management System under § 6-301 of this title as a constitutional or elected office; and a deputy secretary or assistant secretary of a principal unit or a position that the Secretary determines has similar stature. The executive service includes any other position that is determined by the Secretary to be in the executive service.

Except as otherwise provided by law, individuals in the following positions in the skilled service and professional service are considered special appointments: a position to which an individual is directly appointed by the Governor by an appointment that is not provided for by the Maryland Constitution; a position to which an individual is directly appointed by the Board of Public Works; as determined by the Secretary, a position which performs a significant policy role or provides direct support to a member of the executive service; a position that is assigned to the Government House; a position that is assigned to the Governor’s Office; and any other position that is specified by law to be a special appointment. Except as provided under § 6–105(a) of the State Government Article, a position that is a special appointment may be filled with regard to political affiliation, belief, or opinion if the Secretary determines that the position: relates to political interests or concerns so as to warrant that political affiliation be a requirement for the position; and requires the provision of meaningful direct or indirect input into the policy–making process; or provides access to confidential information and: requires substantial intervention or collaboration in the formulation of public policy; or requires the provision of direct advice or the rendering of direct services to an appointing authority.

A contractual employee is a temporary employee whose employment is governed by Title 13 of this article. An emergency employee is a temporary employee who is appointed under § 7-301 of this article. A temporary employee: is not included in the skilled service, professional service, management service, or executive service; and is not a special appointment described in § 6-405 of this subtitle.