Ethics

Should the National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists adopt policy condemning unfair competition by government employees? What is the basis for such a policy? What type of activism would be forthcoming from the Society based on such a policy?  Please discuss.  Anonymous participants and responses welcome, just please identify yourself at the end of your contribution.

The Society was established, in part, to formulate and to uphold a code of ethics for the profession. Our Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Guidelines for Consulting Soil Scientists is the established basis for fulfilling that purpose.

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.

In committee: an Act to prevent potential conflicts of interest by persons employed by the State or Acting as agents of the State within local Health Departments: HB 617: Limit Outside Work for DENR/Local Staff:

About a month before the Board of Directors met in Myrtle Beach, SC, they received a request to consider "eliminating the NSCSS Registry, the designation of Registered Professional Soil Scientist (RPSS), and the Board of Examiners". It did not even make it onto the agenda, and it is pretty clear why. NSCSS' Professional Registry is the ultimate expression of the core principles of our Society. As such it provides an incomparable commitment to our Society's core precepts. We hold Registrants to our Society's highest standards. We provide training and insights required to maintain this dynamic. As such, our Registrants are held up as the leading examples of the level of professionalism our Society seeks to cultivate among all our members, as well as within the larger profession. Thus losing the Registry means losing a vital part of our fundamental identity.