An engineering geologist is a geologist trained
in the discipline of engineering geology.
Many organizations and governments have programs
for the qualification, testing and certification
of engineering geologists as a protection
to the public.
Engineering geologists commonly work with
civil engineers, structural engineers, architects,
developers and planners, to ensure that the
geologic factors affecting the location, design,
construction, operation and maintenance of
engineering works are recognized and adequately
accounted for.
One of the earliest definitions of the "Engineering
Geologist" or "Professional Engineering Geologist"
was provided by the Executive Committee of
the Division on Engineering Geology of the
Geological Society of America in 1951, as
follows:
A professional engineering geologist is a
person who, by reason of his special knowledge
of the geological sciences and the principles
and methods of engineering analysis and design
acquired by professional education or practical
experience, is qualified to apply such special
knowledge for the purpose of rendering professional
services or accomplishing creative work such
as consultation, investigation, planning,
design or supervision of construction for
the purpose of assuring that the geologic
elements affecting the structures, works or
projects are adequately treated by the responsible
engineer.
One of the most important roles of the engineering
geologist is the interpretation of landforms
and earth processes to identify potential
geologic and related manmade hazards that
may impact civil structures and human development.
Nearly all engineering geologists are initially
trained and educated in geology, primarily
during their undergraduate education.
This background in geology provides the engineering
geologist with an understanding of how the
earth works, which is crucial in mitigating
earth related hazards.
Most engineering geologists also have graduate
degrees where they have gained specialized
education and training in soil mechanics,
rock mechanics, geotechnics, groundwater,
hydrology, and civil design.
These two aspects of the engineering geologists'
education provides them with a unique ability
to understand and mitigate hazards associated
with earth-structure interactions.
In the states of California, Oregon, and Washington,
the title of Engineering Geologist is legally
protected by state registration boards.
In California and Oregon, the licensure title
is Certified Engineering Geologist, and in
Washington it is Licensed Engineering Geologist.
These are higher-level licenses and you must
first become a Professional Geologist or Registered
Geologist.
The 2007 California Building Code (=CCR Title
24) specifies the title of Certified Engineering
Geologist for the practice of engineering
geology.
As of 2009, there are about 1,600 Certified
Engineering Geologists in California, and
as of 2013 there are about 270 Certified Engineering
Geologists in Oregon and 640 Licensed Engineering
Geologists in Washington
