Whats the difference between a geologist and a soils engineer ?
This question is asked a lot and there is a great deal of confusion regarding the two associated professions. Within the state of California, two licenses are required for practicing in the field of engineering geology. The geologist must obtain a license as a “Registered Geologist” and also a license as a “Certified Engineering Geologist”. The licenses are issued through the Department of Consumer Affairs. The geologist’s responsibilities include identification of earth materials, determination of geologic structure, planning and execution of the field exploration program and seismic hazard evaluation. The geologist and soils engineer also confer on determining the proper bearing material for the proposed structure, methods of stabilization of slopes and design recommendations for construction. The soils engineer can have several types of licenses. The most common license necessary to practice soils engineering is the “Registered Civil Engineer, R.C.E.”. Within the City of Los Angeles
