Last month Rose Ashmore, one of our Senior Geotechnical Engineers based in Bristol, submitted her application to the Geological Society to become a Chartered Geologist. We asked Rose:
Why is it important to you to become chartered?
Obtaining chartership status is important as it shows that you have a high level of knowledge in your field of expertise and signifies that you are dedicated to working to professional standards. It also indicates that you have a commitment to continuing professional development and work to a code of ethics.
What do you need to be able to demonstrate to be accepted as a Chartered Geologist?
As well as having the relevant graduate and post graduate qualifications, you need sufficient work experience in your area of expertise. I have a MSci in Geology and an MSc in Engineering and have been working in engineering geology and geotechnics for over 6 years, so I thought it was time to apply.
In my application to the GeolSoc, I’ve had to demonstrate that I understand geology and geological processes to be able to create reliable models for assessing and mitigating ground risk. I’ve also had to show I can communicate this information clearly and that I’m committed to health, safety and the environment, continued learning and professional behaviour.
What experiences and examples did you use?
I’ve provided extracts from several of my previous projects. These include a Ground Movement Assessment for a new pumping station, a Coal Mining Risk Assessment for a site impacted by historical underground and shallow surface coal mining and, a Technical Note reviewing the impact of unauthorised works on the stability of a cliff. Another project I’ve referred to is a residential development on a relic landslip where I helped our structures team and the main contractor find efficient and economic solutions for the challenging ground conditions.
What happens next?
Over the next few weeks my application will go through the validation process and be reviewed by Chartership assessors. Hopefully the application will be accepted and I will then have to attend a validation interview in March to showcase my competency in engineering geology.
What support has CampbellReith given you in preparation to becoming chartered?
Since starting with CampbellReith in 2021 I have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of challenging sites and have been supported in improving and expanding my knowledge and experience within the industry. At the start of each year I’ve been able to agree professional development goals with my line manager and we’ve followed them up during the year to check that I am on track to achieving my targets.
Throughout the process of compiling my application I have been supported by chartered geologists within our geotechnical team and would especially like to thank my sponsors, Liz Brown and Kat Barker, for all their help and advice.
Thanks Rose. Well done and good luck – we have our fingers crossed but we’re sure you’ll smash it! Keep us posted!