Except to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of this code, the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing at Section 11150), Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code shall govern and apply to the conduct of the Department of Water Resources in every respect the same as if such provisions were herein set forth at length, and whenever in that chapter the term “head of the department” or similar designation occurs, for the purposes of this section it shall mean the director.