President's Message

It’s been 22 years since NSCSS was founded by James Brown, a former SCS employee in Alabama. In those early years, NSCSS served its members by providing a platform to share work experiences as business owners, project managers, and professional soil scientists. Good things emerged from knowing that other soil scientists faced the same hurdles that another member had navigated as well. The identity of the soil scientist was elevated and many soil science-based firms flourished. Such successes have rarely rested on one’s laurels; we work in a competitive environment and some of our services overlap with well-organized and represented professions. As NSCSS continues to evolve and respond to new challenges, we rely and benefit from our unity as professional soil scientists. This is our greatest asset.

The latest edition of Soil Profiles includes three articles about proposed state licensing or certification of soil scientists in Washington, Tennessee and California. At least fifteen states already have governing boards for some aspect of soil science work. The rationale for state licensing of soil professionals has varied. Sometimes it was to help distinguish the difference that exists between soil science and geology. In other cases, it was to set a minimum set of qualifications for professionals performing services that relate to public health, safety, and welfare. And still other times, it was assure consistency within the profession that the public deserves when a soil scientist conducts a high intensity soil survey, wetland delineation, or waste water treatment evaluation. One undeniable benefit of all of this licensing is elevating soil scientists to a similar position as engineers, architects, and surveyors.

It also brings together soil scientists on a state level and creates a target for university soil science programs. NSCSS, along with the Soil Science of America and other organizations, believe strongly in state licensing, because these benefits strengthen the profession. Each year, the NSCSS Board of Directors increase specific line items in its budget to provide matching funds and/or get direct testimony presented in those states that are proposing state licensing or certification of soil scientists. The opportunity for licensing in California is potentially the biggest opportunity yet. This trend-setter state could blast open the doors for similar licensing in the remaining 30 or more states. Buckle up, because the ride is going get real exciting!

A final thought: NSCSS is cognizant that the current economic downturn has affected many of its members. This organization is very much that discussion and solution platform that James Brown founded over two decades ago. Each new edition of Soil Profiles will have some helpful hints and business strategies to not only survive these times, but come out ahead of the competition when the economy turns around.