Presently, Nevada state law defines what a geologist is but does note require registration. However, geological engineers are required to be licensed through the Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyor’s (NSBPELS). For more information concerning this, please see the NSBPELS website at http://www.boe.state.nv.us or contact them at:
Address: 1755 East Plumb Lane, Suite 135
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 688-1231 or (800) 728-2632 (within the State of Nevada only)
Fax: (775) 688-2991
E-mail: board@boe.state.nv.us
The law defining a geologist in the State of Nevada is the following Nevada Revised Statute (NRS):
CHAPTER 514 - BUREAU OF MINES AND GEOLOGY
NRS 514.002 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 514.005 and 514.007 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
(Added to NRS by 1997, 2977)
NRS 514.005 "Professional geologist" defined. "Professional geologist" means a person who:
1. Possesses a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in the science of geology and has at least 5 years of experience in the science of geology, which may include no more than 2 years of postgraduate course work in the science of geology;
2. Has at least 12 years of experience in the science of geology, at least 3 years of which must have been completed under the supervision of a professional geologist; or
3. Is currently licensed or certified as a professional geologist:
(a) In another state; or
(b) By a national nonprofit geological organization with members in at least 10 states who are licensed or certified,
if the requirements for his current licensure or certification included requirements at least equal to those set forth in either subsection 1 or 2.
(Added to NRS by 1997, 2978)
NRS 514.007 "Science of geology" defined. "Science of geology" means the:
1. General study of the earth, including its origin, processes and history;
2. Collection and investigation of specimens of the constituent rocks, minerals, fossils, solids, mineralizing fluids, gasses and other materials of the earth that are located from the center of the core of the earth to the surface of the earth; and
3. Application of the knowledge set forth in subsections 1 and 2 for the benefit of the general public and the general welfare of this state.
(Added to NRS by 1997, 2978)
The law requiring the licensing of a geological engineer in the State of Nevada is the following Nevada Administrative Code (NAC):
CHAPTER 625
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS
NAC 625.220 Disciplines of engineering. (NRS 625.140, 625.175)
1. Each applicant shall specify the discipline of engineering in which he desires to be examined and licensed.
2. The board will classify applicants in a manner which is reasonably consistent with custom in the profession. The board may classify and examine an applicant in the basic discipline of engineering which is most closely associated with the applicant's area of concentration.
3. An applicant may apply for licensure in the following disciplines of engineering:
(a) Agricultural;
(b) Chemical;
(c) Civil;
(d) Control systems;
(e) Electrical;
(f ) Environmental;
(g) Fire protection;
(h) Geological;
(i) Industrial;
(j) Manufacturing;
(k) Mechanical;
(l) Metallurgical;
(m) Mining;
(n) Nuclear;
(o) Petroleum;
(p) Ship design;
(q) Structural; or
(r) Any other discipline of engineering which the board deems appropriate.
4. Each applicant must know the basic concepts of engineering in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and economic analysis, and understand the application of these concepts in his specialized discipline of engineering.
[Bd. of Reg'd Professional Eng'rs § 625.220, eff. 8-16-78]-(NAC A by Bd. of Reg'd Professional Eng'rs & Land Surv., 7-10-92)-(NAC A 1-13-94; A by Bd. of Professional Eng'rs & Land Surv. by R004-98, 4-17-98; R211-99, 5-10-2000)