environment

Vol. 11 No. 1 2004
disadvantage in attracting new recruits.
In recent years, the scope of engineering geology
practice has expanded beyond its original close
connection with civil engineering. Many geological
engineers and engineering geologists currently work
closely with land-use planners, water resource
specialists, environmental specialists, architects, public
policy makers, and property-owners, both public and
private, to prepare plans and specifications for a variety
of projects that are influenced by geologic factors,
involve environmental modifications, or require
mitigation of existing or potential effects to the
environment. These skills are becoming more desirable
than ever as the technologies involved in construction
continue to evolve. So the future appears bright for
graduates; however, the financial pressures faced by
many universities suggest that it may be difficult for
adequate numbers of new practitioners to be trained in
order to maintain a viable cadre of professionals.
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