The presiding officer of the commission may, when he or she deems it necessary to expedite the determination of cases filed with the commission, appoint a hearing officer to hear evidence and make recommended findings and orders in any case or to make recommended determinations after a representation election has been ordered and during the course of such election. Any person appointed as a hearing officer shall be an attorney admitted to practice in Nebraska and shall be knowledgeable in the rules of civil procedure and evidence applicable to the district courts.