Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term: (1) “Board” means the State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists. (2) “Geologist” means a person engaged in the practice of geology. (3) “Geology” means that science which treats of the earth in general; investigation of the earth’s crust and the rocks and other materials which compose it; 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. (4) “Public practice of geology” means the performance of geological service or work such as consultation, investigation, surveys, evaluation, planning, mapping, and inspection of geological work in which the performance is related to public welfare or safeguarding of life, health, property, and the environment, except as specifically exempted by this chapter. A person shall be construed to practice 642 43-19-4 publicly or offer to practice publicly geology, within the meaning and intent of this chapter, who practices any branch of the profession of geology; or who by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or in any other way represents himself to be a geologist; or through the use of some other title implies that he is a geologist; or that he is registered under this chapter; or who holds himself out as able to perform or who does perform any geological services or work recognized as geology. (5) “Qualified geologist” means a person who is not registered under this chapter but who possesses all the qualifications specified in this chapter for registration. (6) “Registered certified specialty geologist” means a person who is certified as a specialty geologist under this chapter. (7) “Registered geologist” means a person who is registered as a geologist under this chapter. (8) “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. (9) “Subordinate” means any person who assists a registered geologist or a registered engineer in the practice of geology without assuming the responsible charge of work. History. Code 1933, § 84-2103A, enacted by Ga. L. 1975, p. 163, § 1. 43-19-4. State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists; members. (a) A State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists is created, whose duty it shall be to administer this chapter. The board shall be comprised of: (1) Five members who shall be geologists registered under this chapter, one of whom shall be an academic geologist, one a governmental geologist, one a salaried company geologist, one an independent or consultant geologist, and one a geologist at large; (2) A sixth member who shall be appointed from the public at large and who shall have no connection whatsoever with the practice of professional geology; and (3) The commissioner of natural resources, or his designated agent, as a permanent ex officio member. (b) The members of the board mentioned in paragraphs (1) and (2) of 643 43-19-5 subsection (a) of this Code section shall be appointed by the Governor, approved by the Secretary of State, and confirmed by the Senate. (c) Each member of the board shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of Georgia. (d) The members of the board provided for in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be appointed by the Governor for terms of five years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. The members of the board holding office on June 30, 1987, shall serve until the expiration of the term for which they were appointed and until their successors have been appointed and qualified. On the expiration of the term of any member, the member’s successor shall be appointed in like manner by the Governor for a term of five years. (e) No person shall serve as a member of the board for more than one consecutive five-year term. (f) The Governor may remove any member of the board pursuant to the authority of Code Section 43-1-17. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the Governor as provided for in this chapter. (g) The members of the board shall, before entering upon the discharge of their duty, subscribe to and file with the Secretary of State the constitutional oath of officers, whereupon the Secretary of State shall issue to each appointee a certificate of appointment. (h) Each member of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section 43-1-2. History. Code 1933, § 84-2514A, enacted by Ga. L. 1975, p. 163, § 1; Code 1933, § 842114A, as redesignated by Ga. L. 1976, p. 695, § 1; Code 1933, § 84-2114A.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1980, p. 50, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 603, § 1.