(a) An appointing authority may at any time assign an employee from one position to another position in the same job classification or rank within the same department. Upon making such assignment, the appointing authority shall give written notice of such action and the reasons for such action to the commissioner.

(b) A transfer of an employee from one department to another may be made with the approval of the commissioner and of the appointing authorities. The appointing authority, or authorities, with the approval of the commissioner, shall have authority to make such a transfer for any reason that they may deem to be for the good of the service. Their actions shall not be subject to appeal except as provided in this chapter.

(c) No employee shall be transferred from a position in one class to a position in another class of a higher rank or for which there are substantially dissimilar requirements for appointment, unless the employee is appointed to such latter position after certification of the employee's name from a list of eligibles in accordance with this chapter.

(d) Any change of an employee from a position in one class to a position in a class of a lower rank shall be considered a demotion, except that the employee shall not be considered to have been demoted and shall not be required to serve a period of probation, if the change from a position in one class to a position in a class of a lower rank occurred:

(1) At the employee's request, with the concurrence of the department or agency; or

(2)

(A) Because of a change in the organizational structure of the government entity;

(B) Because of the abolishment of a position;

(C) As the result of a reduction in force;

(D) For reasons caused by organizational necessity; or

(E) As a result of compliance with § 8-30-205.