43-36 Professional Soil Classifiers - North Dakota Statutes

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CHAPTER 43-36PROFESSIONAL SOIL CLASSIFIERS43-36-01. Definitions. Unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:1."Board" means the state board of registration for professional soil classifiers
hereinafter provided in this chapter.2."Kind of soil" is a group of natural bodies that has a discrete combination of
landscape, morphological, chemical, and physical properties.3."Practice of soil classifying and practice of professional soil classifying" means any
service or work the adequate performance of which requires education in the
physical, chemical, biological, and soil sciences, training and experience in the
application of the special knowledge of these sciences to soil classification, the soil
classification by accepted principles and methods, investigation, evaluation, and
consultation on the effect of measured, observed, and inferred soil properties upon
the various uses, the preparation of soil descriptions, maps and reports and
interpretive drawings, maps and reports of soil properties and the effect of soil
properties upon the various uses, and the effect of the various uses upon kinds of
soil, any of which embraces such service or work either public or private incidental to
the practice of soil classifying.A person must be construed to practice or offer to practice soil classifying withinthe meaning and intent of this chapter who by verbal claim, sign, advertisement,
letterhead, card, or use of some other title represents that the person is a soil
classifier, but does not mean or include the practice of soil classifying by persons
exempt under the provisions of section 43-36-24 nor the work ordinarily performed
by persons who sample and test soil for fertility status or construction materials and
engineering surveys and soundings to determine soil properties influencing the
design and construction of engineering and architectural projects. Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions, a person may not be construed to practice soil classifying
unless the person offers soil classifying services to or performs such soil classifying
for the public.4."Professional soil classifier" means a person who by reason of that person's special
knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological sciences applicable to soils as
natural bodies and of the methods and principles of soil classification as acquired by
soils education and soil classification experience in the formation, morphology,
description, and mapping of soils is qualified to practice soil classifying and who has
been duly registered by the state board of registration for professional soil classifiers.5."Responsible charge" means direct control and personal supervision of soil
classification.6."Soil" is all of the groups of natural bodies occupying the unconsolidated portion of
the earth's surface capable of supporting plant life and having properties due to the
combined effect of climate and living organisms, as modified by topography and
time, upon parent materials.7."Soil classification" is plotting the boundaries, describing and evaluating the kinds of
soil as to their behavior and response to management under the various uses.8."Soil classifier" means a professional soil classifier as defined in subsection 4.9."Soil classifier-in-training" means a person who complies with the requirements for
education and character and who has passed an examination in the fundamentalPage No. 1soil and related subjects as provided for in sections 43-36-10, 43-36-11, 43-36-12,
and 43-36-13.43-36-02. Board - Appointments - Terms. A state board of registration for professionalsoil classifiers is hereby created whose duty it is to administer the provisions of this chapter. The
board consists of three professional soil classifiers appointed by the governor and two members
at large appointed by the governor. The members of the board must be appointed for five years,
staggered so the term of one member expires June thirtieth of each year and so that the terms of
the members at large do not expire in consecutive years. Each member of the board shall
receive a certificate of that member's appointment from the governor and shall file with the
secretary of state a written oath and affirmation of the faithful discharge of the member's official
duties.On the expiration of the term of any member, the governor shall in the mannerhereinbefore provided appoint for a term of five years a registered professional soil classifier or a
member at large to take the place of the member whose term on said board is about to expire. A
member may be reappointed. Each member shall hold office until a successor has been duly
appointed and has qualified.43-36-03. Board - Qualifications. Each member of the board must be a citizen of theUnited States and a resident of this state.43-36-04. Board - Compensation and expenses. Each member of the board is entitledto receive compensation at the rate of sixty-two dollars and fifty cents per day and
reimbursement for expenses as provided by law for state officers, if attending board meetings or
performing duties directed by the board.43-36-05. Board - Removal of members - Vacancies. The governor may remove anymember of the board for misconduct, incompetency, neglect of duty, or for any sufficient cause in
the manner prescribed by law for the removal of state officials. Vacancies in the membership of
the board must be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the governor as provided in
section 43-36-02.43-36-06.Board - Organization and meetings.The board shall hold at least tworegular meetings each year. Special meetings may be held as the bylaws of the board provide.
The board shall elect or appoint annually the following officers: a chairman, a vice chairman, and
a secretary. A quorum of the board consists of three members.43-36-07. Board - Powers. The board has the power to administer this chapter underchapter 28-32 and:1.To adopt and amend all bylaws, rules of procedure, and regulations to administer
and carry out the provisions of this chapter and for the conduct of its affairs and
functions consistent with the constitution and laws of this state or this chapter which
may be reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and the
regulation of its proceedings, meetings, records, examinations, and the conduct
thereof, and to adopt and promulgate a code of ethics which is binding upon all
persons registered under or subject to this chapter.2.To employ such clerks, technical experts, and attorneys as it may deem necessary
or desirable to carry out the provisions of this chapter.3.To apply in the name of the state for relief by injunction without bond, to enforce the
provisions of this chapter, or to restrain any violation thereof. In such proceedings it
is not necessary to allege or prove either that an adequate remedy at law does not
exist or that substantial or irreparable damage would result from the continued
violation thereof. The members of the board are not personally liable under this
proceeding.4.To negotiate and enter reciprocal agreements with similar agencies in other states;
provided that a reciprocal agreement may not limit the board's powers and dutiesPage No. 2regarding any application for registration as a professional soil classifier or for
certification as a soil classifier-in-training or regarding the enforcement of this
chapter or any rules adopted to implement this chapter.43-36-08. Receipts and disbursements. The secretary of the board shall receive andaccount for all moneys derived under the provisions of this chapter and shall deposit and
disburse the same in accordance with section 54-44-12. The secretary shall give a surety bond
to the state in such sum as may be required by the laws of this state. The premium on said bond
must be regarded as a proper and necessary expense of the board. The secretary shall receive
such salary as the board shall determine. Under no circumstances may the total amount of
warrants issued in payment of the expenses and compensation provided for in this chapter
exceed the amount of moneys collected.43-36-09. Records and reports. The board shall:1.Keep a record of its proceedings and of all applications for registration which record
must show the name, age, and last-known address of each applicant, the place of
business of such applicant, the applicant's education, experience and other
qualifications, type of examination required, whether or not a certificate of
registration was granted, whether or not the applicant was rejected, the date of the
action of the board, and such other information as may be deemed necessary by the
board which record of the board is prima facie evidence of the proceeding of the
board and a transcript thereof duly certified by the secretary under seal is admissible
as evidence with the same force and effect as if the original were produced.2.Annually as of January first submit to the governor a report of its transactions of the
preceding year and shall transmit to the governor a complete statement of the
receipts and expenditures of the board attested by affidavits of its chairman and its
secretary.43-36-10. General requirements for registration - Professional soil classifier. To beeligibleforregistrationasaprofessionalsoilclassifierorcertificationasasoilclassifier-in-training, an applicant must be of good character and reputation and shall submit a
written application to the board containing such information as the board may require, together
with five references, three of which must be professional soil classifiers having personal
knowledge of the applicant's soil classifying experience; or in the case of an application for
certification as a soil classifier-in-training, by three character references.43-36-10.1. Conviction not bar to registration - Exceptions. Conviction of an offensedoes not disqualify a person from registration under this chapter unless the board determines
that the offense has a direct bearing upon a person's ability to serve the public as a professional
soil classifier, or that, following conviction of any offense, the person is not sufficiently
rehabilitated under section 12.1-33-02.1.43-36-11. Registration without examination - Reciprocity. An applicant otherwisequalified must be admitted to registration as a professional soil classifier without examination
upon payment of the required fees if:1.The applicant is of good character, has been a resident of the state for at least one
year immediately preceding the date of application, was a practicing soil classifier on
July 1, 1973, meets the requirements of this chapter, and has performed work of a
character satisfactory to the board; or2.The applicant holds a certificate of registration in the practice of soil classifying
issued by another state, the District of Columbia, a Canadian province, or a foreign
country, in which the requirements are substantially similar to those of this state.43-36-12. Registration with examination - Professional soil classifier. An applicantotherwise qualified must be admitted to registration as a professional soil classifier if thePage No. 3applicant has successfully passed an examination in the principles and practice of soil classifying
as prescribed by the board and has one of the following additional qualifications:1.Is a graduate of a soils curriculum approved by the board as satisfactory and with a
specific record of an additional four years or more of experience of a grade and
character which indicates to the board that the applicant is competent to practice soil
classifying and who holds a valid soil classifier-in-training certificate.2.Is a person who has satisfactorily completed a soils curriculum not approved by the
board and eight years or more of experience in soil classifying work of a character
and grade which indicates to the board that the applicant is competent to practice
soil classifying.3.Is a person who holds a valid soil classifier-in-training certificate with a specific
record of four years or more of experience as a soil classifier-in-training of a grade
and character which indicates to the board that the applicant is competent to
practice soil classifying.4.Is a person with experience of not less than four years of soil classification research
or as a teacher of soils in a college or university offering an approved soils
curriculum of four years or more, and a minimum of two years of soil classifying
experience of a character and grade which indicates to the board that the applicant
is competent to practice soil classifying.43-36-13. Qualifications of soil classifier-in-training. Unless otherwise qualified, aperson must be admitted to certification as a soil classifier-in-training, which certification is valid
for four years, if the person is:1.A graduate of a soils curriculum approved by the board and has passed an
examination in the fundamentals of soil classification; or2.An applicant who has completed a soils curriculum not approved by the board and
who has a specific record of four years of soil classification experience of a grade
and character satisfactory to the board and who passes an examination in the
fundamentals of soil classification.43-36-14. Application for registration. Application for registration as a professional soilclassifier and for certification as a soil classifier-in-training must be on a form prescribed and
furnished by the board, must contain statements made under oath showing the applicant's
education, a detailed summary of the applicant's experience, and references as required by this
chapter and must be accompanied by an application fee established by the board of not less than
fifty nor more than two hundred dollars. If the national test is administered, the amount may not
exceed five hundred dollars.43-36-15. Registration fees.1.The board shall establish registration fees provided:a.The registration fee for in-state professional soil classifiers must be at least fifty
dollars but not more than three hundred dollars.b.The registration fee for in-state soil classifier-in-training certification or
enrollment must be at least twenty-five dollars but not more than one hundred
dollars.c.The registration fee for out-of-state professional soil classifiers must be at least
one hundred dollars but not more than three hundred dollars.Page No. 42.If the board denies the issuance of a certificate to an applicant, the board shall retain
the application fee.43-36-16. Examinations. Examinations must be held at such times and places as theboard determines. Examinations required on fundamental soil subjects may be taken at any time
prescribed by the board.The final examinations may not be taken until the applicant hascompleted a period of soil classifying experience as provided in this chapter. The passing grade
on any examination may not be less than seventy percent. A candidate failing one examination
may apply for reexamination, which may be granted upon payment of a fee established by the
board of not less than twenty-five nor more than fifty dollars. Any candidate for registration
having an average grade of less than fifty percent may not apply for reexamination for a period of
one year from the date of such examination.43-36-17. Certificates. The board shall issue a certificate of registration upon paymentof the registration fee as provided for in this chapter to any applicant who in the opinion of the
board has met the requirements of this chapter. Enrollment cards must be issued to those who
qualify as soil classifiers-in-training.Certificates of registration must carry the designation"professional soil classifier", must show the full name of the registrant without any titles, must be
numbered, and must be signed by the chairman and the secretary under the seal of the board.
The issuance of a certificate of registration by the board is prima facie evidence that the person
named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a professional soil classifier during the
term for which the certificate is valid providing the certificate has not been revoked or suspended.43-36-18. Expirations and renewals. Certificates of registration expire on the last dayof the month of December following their issuance and become invalid after that date unless
renewed. It is the duty of the secretary of the board to notify every person registered under this
chapter of the date of the expiration of said certificate of registration and the amount of the fee
required for its renewal.Such notice must be mailed to the registrant at the registrant'slast-known address at least one month in advance of the expiration of said certificate. Renewal
may be effected at any time prior to or during the month of December by the payment of a fee
established by the board not to exceed the fees established for registration. Renewal of an
expired certificate may be effected under rules promulgated by the board regarding requirements
for reexamination and penalty fees.43-36-19. Reissuance of certificates. A new certificate of registration to replace anycertificate lost, destroyed, or mutilated may be issued subject to the rules of the board.Areasonable charge must be made for such issuance.43-36-20. Code of ethics. The board shall cause to have prepared and shall adopt acode of ethics a copy of which must be delivered to every registrant and applicant for registration
under this chapter. Such delivery constitutes due notice to all registrants. The board may revise
and amend this code of ethics from time to time and shall forthwith notify each registrant in
writing of such revisions and amendments. Such code of ethics when adopted applies to all
certificate holders.43-36-21.Disciplinary action - Revocations, suspensions, or reprimands.Theboard has the power to suspend, refuse to renew or revoke the certificate of registration of, or
reprimand any registrant who is guilty of any of the following:1.The practice of fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of registration.2.Any gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of soil
classifying.3.Any offense determined by the board to have a direct bearing upon a registrant's
ability to serve the public as a professional soil classifier, or the board determines,
following conviction of any offense, that a registrant is not sufficiently rehabilitated
under section 12.1-33-02.1.Page No. 54.Violation of the code of ethics adopted and promulgated by the board.43-36-22. Disciplinary action - Procedure. Any person may prefer charges of fraud,deceit, gross negligence, incompetence, misconduct, or violation of the code of ethics against
any individual registrant. Such charges must be in writing and must be sworn to by the person or
persons making them and must be filed with the secretary of the board. All charges unless
dismissed by the board as unfounded or trivial must be heard by the board within three months
after the date on which they have been preferred. The time and place for said hearing must be
fixed by the board and a copy of the charges together with a notice of the time and place of
hearing must be served upon the accused either personally or sent by registered or certified mail
to the last-known address of such individual registrant at least thirty days before the date fixed for
hearing. At any hearing the accused registrant has the right to appear in person or by counsel, or
both, to cross-examine witnesses appearing against the accused, and to produce evidence and
witnesses in defense of the accused. If the accused person fails or refuses to appear, the board
may proceed to hear and determine the validity of the charges. If after such hearing a majority of
the board votes in favor of sustaining the charges, the board shall make findings of fact, draw its
conclusions and issue its order therein and serve the same upon the accused. In said order the
board may reprimand, suspend, refuse to renew, or revoke the accused individual's certificate of
registration. Any person who feels aggrieved by any action of the board in denying, suspending,
refusing to renew, or revoking that person's certificate of registration may appeal therefrom to the
district court under the procedures provided by chapter 28-32.43-36-23. Right to practice. No person may practice or offer to practice professionalsoil classifying as defined by this chapter unless the person is duly registered to practice under or
exempt from the provisions of this chapter.43-36-24. Exemptions. This chapter shall not be construed to prevent or affect:1.The practice or offer to practice soil classifying by a person not a resident or having
no established place of business in this state provided such person is legally
qualified by the provisions of this chapter to practice soil classifying as defined
herein in that person's own state which extends similar privileges to persons
registered under this chapter provided such person shall make application
accompanied by the appropriate application fee to the board in writing prior to that
person's practicing or offering to practice soil classifying, may be granted a
temporary permit for a definite period of time not to exceed one year to do a specific
job provided, however, no right to practice soil classifying shall accrue to such
applicant with respect to any other work not set forth in said permit.2.The work of an employee or a subordinate of a person holding a certificate of
registration under this chapter or an employee of a person practicing lawfully under
subsection 1, provided such work does not include final soil classifying decisions and
is done under the direct supervision of and verified by a person holding a certificate
of registration under this chapter or a person practicing lawfully under subsection 1.3.The practice of any other legally recognized profession or trade.4.The practice of soil classifying by any person regularly employed to perform soil
classifying services solely for that person's employer or for a subsidiary or affiliated
corporation or limited liability company of that person's employer, providing the soil
classifying performed is in connection with the property, products, or services of that
person's employer.43-36-25.Violation - Penalty.Any person who practices or offers to practiceprofessional soil classifying in this state without being registered in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter, or any person using or employing the words "soil classifier" or
"professional soil classifier" or any modification or derivative thereof in its name or form of
business or activity except as authorized in this chapter, or any person presenting the certificate
of registration of another, or any person who falsely impersonates any other registrant of like orPage No. 6different name, or any person who attempts to use an expired or revoked or nonexistent
certificate of registration, or who practices or offers to practice when not qualified, or any person
who falsely claims that that person is registered under this chapter, or any person who violates
any of the other provisions of this chapter is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.Page No. 7Document Outlinechapter 43-36 professional soil classifiers