(1) “Commissioner” means the commissioner of commerce and insurance or the commissioner's designee;

(2) “Department” means the department of commerce and insurance;

(3) “Geologist” means a person qualified by education and practical experience to engage in the practice of geology;

(4) “Geologist in training” means a person who has met the educational requirements of § 62-36-109, but is not qualified to be licensed as a professional geologist;

(5) “Geology” means the science concerning the earth and its history, including:

(A) The investigation, prediction of existence and location of:

(i) Minerals;

(ii) Rocks;

(iii) Liquids, including groundwater; and

(iv) Gases;

(B) The natural processes that cause developments and changes in the earth; and

(C) The applied science that uses knowledge of the earth and its constituent rocks, minerals, liquids, gases and other materials for the benefit of mankind;

(6) “Licensed professional geologist” means a person who is licensed as a geologist under this chapter;

(7) “Practice of geology” means providing geological services, except as specifically exempted by this chapter. Geological services include consultation, investigation, including the collection, removal and analysis of samples of minerals, rocks, fluids, gases and paleontological specimens, survey, evaluation, planning, mapping, inspection of work in the field of geology and the responsible supervision of work in the field of geology. The practice of geology means the practice of any branch of the profession of geology;

(8) “Responsible charge of work” means accountable, independent control and direction by the use of initiative, skill and independent judgment of geological work or supervision of geological work; and

(9) “Subordinate” means any person who assists a licensed professional geologist in the practice of geology without assuming the responsible charge of work.