§ 89E-3.  Definitions.

When used in this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Board" means the North Carolina Board for Licensing of Geologists.

(2) "Geologist". The term "geologist", within the intent of this Chapter, shall mean a person who is trained and educated in the science of geology.

(3) The term "geologist-in-training" means a person who has successfully passed the portion of professional examination covering fundamental or academic geologic subjects, prior to completion of the requisite years of experience in geologic work as required for licensure under this Chapter.

(4) "Geology" means the science dealing with the earth and its history; investigation, prediction and location of the materials and structures which compose it; the natural processes that cause change in the earth; and the applied science of utilizing knowledge of the earth and its constituent rocks, minerals, liquids, gases and other materials for the benefit of mankind. This definition shall not include any of the following:

a. Service or creative works, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training, and experience.

b. The assessment of an underground storage tank required by applicable rules at closure or change in service unless there has been a discharge or release of the product from the tank.

(5) The term "good moral character" means such character as tends to ensure the faithful discharge of a licensed geologist's fiduciary duties to a client.

(6) "License" means a certificate issued by the Board recognizing the individual named in this certificate as meeting the requirements for licensing under this Chapter.

(7) "Licensed geologist" means a person who is licensed as a geologist under the provisions of this Chapter.

(8) "Public practice of geology" means the performance for others of geological service or work in the nature of work or consultation, investigation, surveys, evaluations, planning, mapping and inspection of geological work, in which the performance is related to the public welfare of safeguarding of life, health, property and the environment, except as specifically exempted by this Chapter. The definition shall not include or allow the practice of engineering as defined in Chapter 89C of the North Carolina General Statutes.

(9) The term "qualified geologist" means a person who possesses all of the qualifications specified in this Chapter for licensing but is not licensed.

(10) The term "responsible charge of work" means the independent control and direction by the use of initiative, skill and independent judgment of geological work or the supervision of such work.

(11) The term "subordinate" means either of the following who does not assume the responsible charge of work:

a. A person who assists a licensed geologist in the practice of geology.

b. A geologist-in-training working under the supervision of a licensed geologist.  (1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1074, s. 1; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 7.10(j); 2025-25, s. 9(a).)