CODE OF ETHICS

To establish and maintain a high standard of integrity, skills, and practice in the Soil Scientist profession, the following shall be binding upon every Society Member.

A. IN RELATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC, THE PROFESSIONAL SOIL SCIENTIST

1. Shall express an opinion on Soil Science subjects only when thoroughly informed and only when it is founded on adequate knowledge and honest conviction.
2. Shall endeavor to extend public knowledge and appreciation of Soil Science and its achievements and to foster broader recognition of the need, use, and application in government and private business.
3. Shall oppose and discourage any untrue, unsupported, and/or exaggerated statements regarding the profession.
4. Shall not advertise work or accomplishments in a self-laudatory, exaggerated, or unduly conspicuous manner.

B.  IN RELATIONS WITH EMPLOYERS AND CLIENTS, THE PROFESSIONAL SOIL SCIENTIST

1. Shall advise employer or client to engage and cooperate with other experts and specialists whenever the employers or clients interests would be best served by such service.
2. Shall not accept compensation from more than one interested party for the same services pertaining to the same work without disclosure and consent of the interested parties.
3. Shall act as a faithful agent and protect, to the fullest extent possible, the interest of employer or client insofar as such interest is consistent with professional obligations and ethics.
4. Shall inform employers or clients of any business connections, interests, or circumstances which may influence professional judgement or services.
5. Shall not disclose, directly or indirectly, information concerning the business affairs of employer or client in any way without consent.
6. Shall not, as an employee of a governmental body, receive personal compensation with respect to services provided when representing employer.

C. IN RELATIONS WITH EACH OTHER, THE PROFESSIONAL SOIL SCIENTIST

1. Shall refrain from undue criticism of the work of another professional in an attempt to injure the Soil Scientists reputation.
2. Shall freely give credit for work done and to whom the credit is properly due.
3. Shall promote high quality standards among Soil Scientists and encourage the ethical dissemination of technical knowledge.
4. Shall not compete unfairly with other professional Soil Scientists.
5. Shall be candid and forthright in statements and responses to the Society or its representatives in matters pertaining to professional conduct.

D. IN DUTY TO THE PROFESSION, THE PROFESSIONAL SOIL SCIENTIST

1. Shall foster good land use and environmental programs through the use of sound soil resource information.
2. Shall accept personal responsibility for professional work performed.
3. Shall not lend use of name in an enterprise of questionable nature.
4. Shall strive to increase the competence and prestige of the Soil Scientist profession.
5. Shall endeavor to increase the effectiveness of the profession by broadening education, through association with other professional organizations, and by other appropriate means.
6. Shall keep abreast of current changes and developments in the field of Soil Science.
7. Shall uphold this Code of Ethics by precept and example and encourage, by counsel and advice, other professional Soil Scientists to do the same.

SOCIETY OBJECTIVES

To:

Advance the profession of soil science as it relates to soil classification, mapping, and interpretation.

Improve and maintain the stature of the professional soil scientist in Southern NE.

Promote high quality standards among soil scientists.

Foster broader recognition of the need, use, and application of soil science in the public and private sector.

Cooperate with counsel colleges and universities in adjusting curricula to the changing needs of the soil scientist.

Function as a communication medium between professional soil scientists, allied disciplines, and professional organizations.

Cooperate with other disciplines and professional organizations to advance causes of mutual interest and concern.

Work toward state registration and certification of soil scientists.

Foster good land use and environmental programs through the use of soil resource information.