The National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists (NSCSS) - SSSA Scholarship was established in 2009 to encourage undergraduate students to major in soil science degree programs.  Please make this information known to prospective 2nd year or above college students majoring in soil science to apply for this scholarship. The time period for initiating a scholarship award nomination ends March 23, 2010.

Mark McClain has prepared a great slideshow on member benefits, presented in Raleigh, NC on January 19, 2010. It hits on the classic points, some pithier ones, and pulls in some good history. We've taken this as a golden opportunity to start an NSCSS Slideshare account - look forward to posting other similar presentations.

Video clips on the internet continue to be a dynamic way to communicate.  It is a different media that often transcends different disciplines and experiences.  Maybe it's time for NSCSS to explore this medium as part of it's mission to improve communications between soil scientists, and others outside of the profession.  Here's a couple of videos that might inspire us to produce some of our own. 

Amelia Island’s Victorian-style mansions, historic shopping district and seaport village and many beautiful golf courses make this a great vacation destination for a mid-winter vacation break while connecting with the most innovative professionals in Soil Science. Home to Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island is only 30 minutes away from Jacksonville International Airport.

Pierre Bordenave has been recently appointed by the National Academy of Sciences to the U.S. National Committee for Soil Science (USNC/SS) for a term of 3 years.

You are invited to attend the 23rd Annual Meeting of the National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists, Inc. (NSCSS) from March 3-6, 2010 at the “Amelia Island Plantation” resort located on the Atlantic Ocean beach on beautiful Amelia Island, Florida.

• 2010 Annual Meeting, March 3-6, 2010 Amelia Island, FL and Cumberland Island, GA
  • Theme: Diverse Opportunities for Consulting Soil Scientists in a Challenging Economy

Consulting Soil Scientists of the Carolinas Annual Meeting

Held in conjunction with the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Soil Science Society of North Carolina. Location: McKimmon Center on the campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Time: 8:00 – 9:00 AM Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Contact: John Williams (jwilliams at lmgroup dot net)

The National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists (NSCSS) Scholarship was established with the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) to encourage undergraduate students to major in soil science degree programs. The scholarship recruits top quality students into nationally recognized soil science programs to meet the expanding and diverse needs of this field. The NSCSS also encourages soil science degree graduates to pursue a career in the field of professional consulting soil science to meet the various public needs and practical applications of this science.

NSCSS asks employers and recruiters what we can do to help them connect with our job seeking members in the market for employment. They never fail to suggest the same thing: post resumes of available members on our website. Members can use a resume posting service, such as Resume Bucket, or Resume Posse, and send us the link to post.

As part of our desire to support members of other scientific, educational, and business communities, we have established informal associations with the professional organizations listed here. Corresponding Societies are cordially invited to participate in our Annual Meetings and interact with our members, board, and executive leadership. We welcome sharing of information and identifying ways we can collaborate in the future.

NSCSS and SSSA leadership met in Pittsburgh last week, forging a revitalized interest in soil science curriculum. Particularly important: identifying coursework needed to prepare graduating soil scientists for the private sector. NSCSS has taken several runs at this in the past. This next effort will be in partnership with SSSA.

Five years ago, the Board of Examiners eliminated the NSCSS test as part of the RPSS application process. (Download RPSS application) Current requirements are that one be tested (written exam) through a recognized state licensing program or be ARCPACS certified. Additionally, unique to the NSCSS / RPSS program is the requirement that one attend a NSCSS Board of Examiners Professional Ethics Seminar at least once every 3 years as well. Ethics Seminars are held at the NSCSS Annual Meeting, the SSSA Annual Meeting, and at other peer professional meetings on occasion.

Two $1000 NSCSS Scholarships will be presented at the SSSA Awards Reception and Program, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the Convention Center, Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom A, Third Floor. SSSA President Paul Bertsch will be announcing the scholarship recipients. The presentation will be aided by a PowerPoint presentation, showcasing each recipient as they are announced. The students will receive a certificate as a recognition for receiving the scholarship.