Heather West

Heather West has extensive work experience in the field of archaeology and environmental consulting. Heather started their career in 1995 as a Project Archaeologist at SWCA Environmental Consultants, where they worked on various survey, testing, and data recovery projects in the Southwest and Great Basin regions. Their responsibilities included identifying, excavating, and recording Native American and historic cultural resources, as well as analyzing historic metal artifacts and prehistoric ceramics. Heather worked in this role until 2000.

From 2000 to 2002, Heather served as an Agricultural Extension Volunteer for the Peace Corps. During this time, they successfully obtained funds and implemented diverse programs to support rural Aymaran families in improving their crop yields. Heather organized workshops, supervised the maintenance of demonstration plots, and promoted the use of natural herbicides and pesticides.

Heather rejoined SWCA Environmental Consultants in 2002, initially as a Crew Chief/Project Archaeologist. In this role, they supervised a crew in excavating Ancestral Puebloan sites and contributed to the review and revision of field forms and project reports. Heather was later promoted to Associate Project Archaeologist/Field Director, where they supervised crews on survey, testing, and monitoring projects. Their responsibilities included planning and implementing field logistics, ensuring quality control of documentation, managing personnel, and processing archaeological collections.

Overall, Heather West has demonstrated expertise in fieldwork supervision, project planning, personnel management, report writing, and cultural resource analysis throughout their career in archaeology and environmental consulting.

Heather West earned a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology with Departmental Honors and a Minor in Asian Studies from Beloit College. Heather attended the college from 1989 to 1993.