MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Membership Categories
PSSAC’s membership categories include:
Professional Members are individuals who support the goals of the association. They submit an application for membership, are approved by the PSSAC Executive Council, and maintain their annual dues. Professional Members may vote in Association elections, serve on the Board of Directors, and on committees.
Professional Members are either ARCPACS Certified as CPSS or CPSC; OR meet the educational and experience requirements for ARCPACS certification (see https://www.soils.org/certifications); OR meet the educational requirements for soil scientist as outlined by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for GS-470 (i.e. Professional members must have (1) a degree in soil science or related field that includes 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in soil science, and (2) five years’ experience as a professional soil scientist or positions providing equivalent experience. A master’s degree in soil science or a closely related field of study counts toward one year of professional experience. A doctorate degree in soil science or a closely related field counts toward two years experience. Experience credits for any combination of mater’s and doctorate degrees may not exceed three years. Annual dues are $55.00.
Regular Members are individuals who meet the educational requirements for Professional membership but who have not yet met the experience requirements. Regular Members may not hold office, but may serve on committees. As evidence of qualification, prospective Regular Members shall provide the same detailed information as Professional Member applicants. Annual Dues are $30.00.
Associate Members are individuals who support the goals of the Association, and are non-voting members, and cannot hold office or serve on committees. Annual dues are $30.00.
Student Members are students majoring in a natural resources major; student members can receive reduced dues rates. Student members are non-voting members and cannot hold office or serve on committees. Annual dues are $10.00.
Emeritus Members are individuals who meet all the requirements of Professional Members, but who no longer actively work in the field of soil science. They will receive discounted annual dues and meeting rates as determined by the Board of Directors, and will receive all other privileges of Professional Membership. Annual dues are $30.00
Honorary Members are selected by the board in in recognition of service or contributions to the profession. Honorary Members are non-voting members, and cannot hold office or serve on committees. Annual dues are waived.
Why Should I Join
There are a number of great reasons to join PSSAC. They include…
- Join PSSAC to learn more about the world in which you live.
- PSSAC is a valuable vehicle to gain first hand knowledge of areas that otherwise you would not be able to visit. PSSAC is also a valuable vehicle to gain insight into many soils related topics.
- PSSAC’s Annual Meetings allow members to learn from other soils professionals as well as professionals in related fields.
- Join PSSAC to support the profession that has given us our livelihood and provides a valuable resource to the community.
- Join PSSAC to give back to Soil Science.
- Membership in PSSAC provides networking opportunities with others in the soils profession. PSSAC is comprised of university professors, private consultants, government employed soil scientists and other professionals that provide valuable contacts and information.
New member applicants must complete the PDF application: (link to brochure application), and mail, along with your dues to:
PSSAC
P.O. Box 1464
Atascadero, CA 93423
Note: New Member Applicants may pay their dues by check or using the PayPal link below. If you are mailing a new member application and opt to pay your dues payment using the PayPal option below, please send an email to the Executive Secretary advising that a membership application has been mailed that will accompany the PayPal payment.
You may Renew your Annual Membership Dues by using PayPal. By Clicking on the “Add to Cart” button, you confirm that you are renewing your annual membership, and that your contact, employment, and professional information has not changed.
Professional Membership Renewal ($55/year) plus PayPal fees ($2.50)
Regular Membership Renewal ($30/year) plus PayPal fees ($1.59)
Associate Membership Renewal ($30/year) plus PayPal fees ($1.59)
Student Membership Renewal ($10/year) plus PayPal fees ($0.87)
Consultant’s Directory Listing ($100/year) plus PayPal fees ($4.12). The Board of Directors is accepting new Consultant’s Directory listings from Professional Members whose dues are current. Contact us at [email protected] for more information. Those currently listed in the PSSAC Consultant’s Directory may renew their annual listing fee using PayPal. Please advise the Executive Secretary of any updates to the details in your listing.
Scholarship Contribution. At each annual meeting, we offer scholarships to offset the meeting fees for several students who apply. Scholarship Contributions may be made on-line in the following amounts:
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$15.00 |
$25.00 |
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$50.00 |
$100.00 |
Other scholarship contribution amounts (larger or smaller) are always welcomed. Please make your check payable to PSSAC, write “Scholarship Fund” on the notation line, and mail to:
PSSAC
P.O. Box 1464
Atascadero, CA 93423
Thank you.
PSSAC’s Operating Expenses have increased substantially in the past few years. Operating Expense Contributions are gladly welcomed to help offset these expenses, while keeping PSSAC’s annual dues as low as possible. Click on the PayPal boxes below to contribute to PSSAC’s Operating Expenses:
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$15.00 |
$25.00 |
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$50.00 |
$100.00 |
Other operating expense contribution amounts (larger or smaller) are always welcomed. Please make your check payable to PSSAC, write “Operating Expenses Contribution” on the notation line, and mail to:
PSSAC
P.O. Box 1464
Atascadero, CA 93423
Thank you.
Citation of Affiliation. Members whose dues are in good standing may describe their current affiliation with PSSAC (Professional Member number, active or candidate status, and membership roles) on resumes, biographical statements, or other media.
