Heather Alvarado
Twin Falls,ID
Summary
Dynamic Archaeologist Technician with the National Park Service, skilled in archaeological field identification and historical research. Proven ability to enhance efficiency through the development of SOPs and meticulous data entry. Recognized for strong organizational skills and adaptability in high-pressure environments, ensuring the preservation of cultural resources and artifacts.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Archaeologist Technician
Minidoka National Historic Site
Jerome, ID
01.2025 - Current
- Company Overview: National Park Service
- Conduct archeological field surveys including shovel tests, excavations, surface-level for archeological features and artifacts. Records data and prepares survey records.
- Conduct archeological monitoring in support of park projects.
- Survey and document previously known archeological sites for condition assessments.
- Evaluates, processes and prepares specimens for research, dating or other investigations.
- Identifies, labels, packages, and catalogs artifacts for curation.
- Works with park curator to perform cataloging and support curation duties.
- Enters archeological artifact and project data including artifact information, catalog records, field notes, site records, etc. into automated systems, appropriate forms, and archival records.
- Retrieves and compiles data required for resource management reports, interpretive exhibits, etc.
- Assists in the development of a variety of documents (e.g. cultural resource management plans, preservation guides, etc) by gathering data from files and reports, conducting research, and preparing draft documents.
- Support partner parks during archeological field season through travel and survey and monitoring work.
- Developed an SOP for archaeological flotation procedures.
- Rewrote and updated archaeological and cultural resource SOPs for our group of parks.
- As part of the safety team, I updated over 500 SDS and made sure the binders for SDS were updated and copasetic.
- Helped rewrite SJA’s for Southern Idaho Parks (SoID).
- National Park Service
Mail Clerk
Army Corps of Engineers
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2022 - 05.2024
- Frequent walking, stooping, stretching, and bending involved and recurrent carrying and lifting of moderately heavy (under 50 pounds) items and occasional lifting and carrying of heavier materials.
- Bundle mail according to US Postal Service regulations.
- Run mail through the sealing, metering and cancelling machines for accuracy.
- Use the mail meter to weigh parcels and mail to determine the correct postage.
- Provide data information to the Records Manager for the semi-annual Positive Accountability Postage Administration System (PAPUS) cost reports.
- Monitor and receive large volume of official mail involving a variety of items and stress the importance of the cost control program.
- Open, perforate, date stamp and read as necessary to determine routing by subject matter.
Intern
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Worked independently in the museum collections.
- Followed general safety rules while doing archiving and preservation work with chemicals.
- Participating in collections management, storage activity, and provenance records.
- Worked with various materials to include stone, glass, faunal remains, and ceramics.
Mail Clerk
Pittsburgh VA Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Retrieving and Sorting Mail: Gathering and sorting mail, including packages, by department, category, and address.
- Delivering Mail: Distributing mail to the appropriate departments or individuals.
- Forwarding Mail: Handling misdirected or returned mail.
- Preparing Mail for Shipping: Preparing documents and other items for outgoing mail and packages.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining records of mail, packages, and envelopes.
PSE Service and Sales/Distribution Clerk
U.S. Postal Service
Cranberry, PA
04.2020 - 01.2021
- Performs any variety of sales and customer services at a retail window such as maintaining sufficient inventory of and selling stamps, stamped paper, other retail products, passport acceptance (where applicable) and other retail services.
- May use a computerized system, accepting and delivering packages and accountable mail; issuing and cashing foreign and domestic postal money orders; accepting and responding to customer claims and inquiries, and providing information to the public regarding postal regulations.
- Provides sales and customer service support by greeting customers and explaining store layout; determining special interests and referring to sales and promotional programs; helps in product selection; provides lobby assistance that includes monitoring the retail line, directing customers to the self-service kiosk (SSK) (where applicable), and/or using Mobile Point of Service (mPOS) to complete transactions (where applicable).
- Provides product and service information to customers, including informing customers regarding special offers; suggestive selling related merchandise; promoting products based on customer needs.
- Handles and processes customer purchases and returns relating to products and services and may use a point-of-sale system.
- Maintains appearance of retail lobby by setting up, arranging, and replenishing displays and merchandise racks; ensures display and selling areas, workstations, and storage areas are presentable to customers.
- Performs routine maintenance on SSKs and mPOS, including trouble shooting.
- Conducts product inventories by counting items on hand; attaches and removes security devices; accounts for items on display; and verifies and records sales floor inventory and shrinkage.
- Brings inventory discrepancies and shrinkage reports to the attention of the appropriate supervisory presence.
Court Clerk
Gallatin County Justice Court
Bozeman, MT
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Prepared arrest/bench warrants, subpoenas, summons, and other documents and correspondence for judges’ signatures and return to county attorney.
- Data entry, imported and processed all Gallatin County Highway Patrol and Sheriff citations, tickets, and affidavits daily.
- Answer phone calls and email correspondence from customers, lawyers and others regarding filings, court dates and procedures.
- Distribute sentencing orders, court documents and case files as needed and allowed.
- Services the front window to direct members of the public arriving for weddings, trials, etc., to provide necessary forms for various court activities, and to respond to general questions.
- Responds to various inquiries from Department personnel, court representatives, attorneys, and members of the public.
- Inquiries are related to court procedures, case status, available filing options, etc.
- Maintains confidentiality according to established guidelines and coordinates with involved or affected parties to resolve problematic issues.
- Receives and/or locates standardized forms to file various court and legal filings, including proposed orders, motions to the court, and other documents.
- Collects and records fees, if required.
Custodian
Allison Park Church
Allison, PA
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Organization skills.
- Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, cleaning furniture and fixtures.
- Disposing of trash and emptying trash receptacles.
- Keeping buildings free from indoor pests.
- Maintaining cleaning equipment and inventory of cleaning agents and equipment.
- Ensuring equipment and lights are switched off, and premises are locked after hours.
- Ability to stand and walk for long periods and ability to lift and move over 50 pounds.
- Knowledge of different cleaning products and tools.
- Time-management and multitasking abilities.
- Moved equipment and furniture to thoroughly clean space.
- Cleaning windows, mirrors, walls, and ceilings; dusting furniture and wiping down surfaces.
- Setting up chairs and tables for events taking place in the building's common areas; organizing supplies for upcoming events.
- Inspecting buildings for safety hazards or damages that need to be addressed; reporting any issues to management immediately.
- Maintained accountability for building keys, master keys and access cards.
- Monitored building security and safety by locking doors or avoiding hazards.
- Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors; cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, and other common areas; emptying trash cans and disposing of waste appropriately.
Intern
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Designed a museum visitor evaluation survey concerning their likes and dislikes about The Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt.
- Maintained a professional and friendly attitude while presenting the museum visitors with the survey.
- Analyzed the data collected from the evaluation.
- Prepared and presented museum leadership a report documenting all the analyzed data.
- Greeted visitors to The Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt.
- Answered questions patrons had from my knowledge and from listening to docents during my time in the hall.
Sales Associate
Sherwin-Williams
Pittsburgh, PA
03.2016 - 08.2017
- Support the sales efforts at a Sherwin-Williams paint store, servicing wholesale and retail customers.
- Assisting customers in person and over the phone by determining needs and presenting appropriate products and services.
- Ensuring that sales transactions are completed accurately, maintaining precise work order files and formulas, pulling appropriate products from the sales floor or warehouse, and tinting and mixing them to customer specifications by hand and computerized color tinter.
- Assist in sourcing products required by customers that are not available in the store and, upon approval, place order and follow up as necessary.
- Be responsible for opening and closing the store, making bank deposits, and driving them to the bank, stocking shelves, and setting up displays, cleaning store equipment, and loading and unloading trucks.
- Ability to distinguish the difference between colors, a skill used when color matching or tinting paint, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Be able to operate a computer both for point of sale and tinter.
- Ability to retrieve material from shelves and floor stacks and lift and carry up to 50 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Operate material handling equipment (e.g., hand truck, pallet jack, etc.) safely once trained, with or without.
- Cleaned shelves, counters and tables to maintain organized store.
- Unboxed new merchandise and restocked shelves in appealing and organized arrangements to promote items.
SOS/Coordinator, Cashier
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Bozeman, MT
03.2011 - 03.2015
- Being friendly and professional, and responding quickly to customer and associate needs.
- Ensuring merchandise pricing is updated and displayed accurately.
- Maintaining signage to keep stores clean, safe, and presentable for customers.
- Ensure the customers had a positive shopping experience by neatly displaying up-to-date and accurate pricing and signage.
- Hung, removes, and replaces signage throughout the store in accordance with the sales promotion schedule.
- Worked in the cash office preparing the daily deposits and preparing 12 POS registers for daily business and 4 self-checkouts bi-weekly.
- Process customer returns and refunds.
- Used proper procedures to process sales quickly and correctly.
- Counted and balanced cashier drawers.
- Performed other duties as assigned by management.
- Counted money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure amounts were correct.
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions to highlight sales to customers.
- Welcomed customers, offering assistance to help find store items.
- Reviewed company portfolio of clients to flag delinquent accounts and identify high-performing accounts to target for future advertising and promotions.
- Oversaw daily activities of the Credit Department including monitoring progress against goals set by senior management.
- Provided guidance to junior staff members on proper procedures for processing requests related to credit extensions or adjustments.
Rural CARRIER
United States Postal SERVICE
Belgrade, MT
09.2010 - 12.2010
- Sorts mail in delivery sequence for the assigned route.
- Receives and signs for accountable mail.
- Loads mail in vehicle.
- Delivers mail to customers along a prescribed route and on a regular schedule by a vehicle; collects monies and receipts for accountable mail; picks up mail from customers' roadside boxes.
- Sells stamps, stamped paper, and money orders; accepts C.O.D., registered, certified, and insured mail and parcel post; furnishes routine information concerning postal matters and provides requested forms to customer.
- Returns mail collected, undeliverable mail, and submits monies and receipts to post office.
- Prepares mail for forwarding and maintains records of change of address information.
- Prepares a daily trip report and maintains a list of the customers on the route.
- Conducts special surveys when required.
- Maintains an inventory of stamps and stamped paper as needed to provide service to customers on the route.
- Always provides security for mail.
District Photographer
United States Marine Corps
New Cumberland, PA
09.2007 - 04.2010
- On-call photographer for capturing promotion, passport, portrait, group, investigative, and field imagery.
- Inspected outgoing imagery and design material for quality, and on-time delivery.
- Created digital and hard-copy archives of all imagery and design material.
- Designed ten cruise book magazines, layouts for products, business cards, invitations, menus, and ceremonies.
- Recorded supply and equipment inventory, documented services rendered.
- Scheduled appointments and photo shoots created job orders and assigned departmental photography.
- Inspected and performed maintenance on photographic equipment.
- Edited and captioned still images.
- I ran the in-house photo studio by myself for close to two years.
- Transferred photographs to computers for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
- Took pictures of individuals, families, and small groups in studio or on location.
- Tested equipment prior to use, verifying good working order.
- Maintained various studio equipment.
- Set up lighting equipment and adjust camera settings to capture desired images.
- Performed maintenance tasks to keep equipment working properly.
- Deliver quality products within deadlines established by clientele.
- Offered consultation services to clients on photo selection, layout, and design for print media.
- Utilized advanced lighting techniques to achieve optimal exposure and mood in photographs.
- Photographed special events, parties, and portraits.
- Managed photography studio equipment, scheduling maintenance and upgrades as needed.
- Cropped, manipulated, and performed color balance for final images.
- Estimated or measured light levels, distances and numbers of exposures using measuring devices and formulas.
- Organized and archived digital photographs efficiently for easy access and retrieval.
- Organize and store digital photographs, negatives, and prints in an orderly fashion.
- Assist in planning setup of shoots including location scouting.
- Saved and archived images and maintained master image library for future use.
- Uploaded digital images for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of photography trends, techniques, and equipment.
Combat Photographer
United States Marine Corps
Okinawa, Japan
- Selected and adjusted subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Organized photo shoots for special occasions like promotions, retirements and award ceremonies.
- Collaborated with clients to plan shoots and boost satisfaction with photos.
- Managed photography studio equipment, scheduling maintenance and upgrades as needed.
- Worked with commanders to develop photo coverage plans for specific operations or missions.
- Organized and archived digital photographs efficiently for easy access and retrieval.
- Provided technical advice and guidance to fellow photographers regarding camera operation and image processing techniques.
- Directed activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
- Edited and retouched photos using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance image quality.
- Maintained and operated photographic equipment, including cameras, lenses, tripods and other accessories.
- Estimated or measured light levels, distances and numbers of exposures using measuring devices and formulas.
- Transferred photographs to computers for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
- Tested equipment prior to use, verifying good working order.
- Selected and assembled photography equipment and required backdrops.
- Took pictures of individuals, families, and small groups in studio or on location.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of photography trends, techniques, and equipment.
- Inspected completed work for accuracy before submitting it for review by superiors or clients.
- Facilitated general office operations by scheduling appointments, keeping books and ordering supplies.
- Used traditional or digital cameras along with tripods, filters and flash attachments.
- Set up lights, backdrops, and props for shoots and events.
- Directed models and subjects during photo shoots to capture desired expressions and poses.
- Manipulated and enhanced scanned or digital images using computers and specialized software.
- Compiled photographs into albums, slideshows and other formats for presentation purposes.
- Created artificial light using flashes and reflectors.
- Developed relationships with soldiers in order to capture candid moments.
- Edited photos to enhance clarity and quality for print media or online publication.
- Photographed special events, parties, and portraits.
- Cropped, manipulated, and performed color balance for final images.
- Managed multiple assignments simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines imposed by commanding officers.
Education
Master of Arts - Applied Archaeology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA01.2025
Advanced Archaeological Field Methods -
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA06.2024
Photography & Photojournalism -
Defense Information School
Ft. Meade, MD07.2005
Bachelor of Arts - History of Art, and Architecture, Minor: Museum Studies
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA12.2020
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data entry
- Graphic design
- Customer service
- Interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Efficiency
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Historical research
- Reliability
- Archaeological field identification
- Organizational skills
- Site surveying
- Administration and management
Veterans Preference
10-Point
Awards
- Frick Fine Arts Research Award for Independent Research, 03/19
- Dean’s Award- College of Natural Science and Mathematics Graduate, 04/24
- Sigma Xi- Graduate- (tie), 04/24
Training
- Energy and Mineral Rights Essentials
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention
- Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Water Sampling
- INTRO TO DRINKING WATER SYSTEM
- Safe Drinking Water Act - Overview of Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
- Understanding Tribal Treaties and Reserved Rights for All Federal Employees
- Archeology For Interpreters
- NEPA Fundamentals (ONLINE-OSMRE-NTTP)
- Categorical Exclusions and NEPA
- NPS NEPA for Managers (Self-Paced)
- Supervising Young Adults in Conservation
- Developing a Conservation Agreement
- DEO 2024 New Employee Initial Ethics Training (IET) (Online)
- 2024-2026 Acquisition Under the Buy Indian Act (Non Indian Affairs Employees)
- RBPT Certification Path Assignment Self-Identification
- Role-Based Privacy Training (RBPT) (Online) - Option 1
- Building Awareness of and Honoring Indigenous Knowledge
- Managing NPS Archival Collections
- Cataloging DOI Museum Collections
- Basics of Museum Collections Care
- Improving Your Memory Skills
- What are Cultural Resources?
- Introduction to PEPC
- RETIRED - DOI Telework Agreement Form (DI-3457) Initial Certification Course
- Foundations of Cultural Resources
- Creating Travel Authorizations in Concur (ONLINE-OSMRE-NTTP)
- OLES VAP: Human Trafficking Awareness
- Information Management and Technology (IMT) Awareness
- NPS Scientific Integrity Overview
- Introduction to Implementing Science in National Parks
- Reclamation FY-25 Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Foundations of Interpretation
- NPS Fundamentals Essentials
- Getting Started with Section 106
- Telework Fundamentals - Employee Training
- Archeological and Paleontological Resource Protection
- Creating Travel Vouchers in Concur (ONLINE-OSMRE-NTTP)
- DOI Individual Development Plan (IDP) Training
- Initial Travel Card Training for Cardholders/Approving Officials
- Initial Purchase Card Training for Cardholders/Approving Officials
- Telework for Government Employees
- Historic Preservation Fundamentals
- No FEAR Act 2023
- Cultural Resources Inventory System (CRIS) for Facilities Staff
- Creating Individual Development Plans (IDP)
- Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
- How to Prepare an Interpretive Program
- NPS Working with Indigenous Knowledges and Cultures in Interpreting Lands, Waters, and Wildlife Training (Seminar)
- NPS Fundamentals - Introductory Concepts
- Adobe Illustrator CC 2015 Advanced Tools and Effects
- Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 Enhancement Tools and Techniques
- Writing A Conservation Agreement
- NPS Project Compliance for Managers (self-paced)
- Ecological Site Descriptions
- Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Seed Technology and Restoration Course
Timeline
Archaeologist Technician
Minidoka National Historic Site
01.2025 - Current
Intern
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
01.2024 - 04.2024
Mail Clerk
Army Corps of Engineers
04.2022 - 05.2024
Mail Clerk
Pittsburgh VA Hospital
07.2021 - 04.2022
PSE Service and Sales/Distribution Clerk
U.S. Postal Service
04.2020 - 01.2021
Court Clerk
Gallatin County Justice Court
09.2019 - 02.2020
Custodian
Allison Park Church
08.2017 - 05.2018
Intern
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
08.2017 - 12.2017
Sales Associate
Sherwin-Williams
03.2016 - 08.2017
SOS/Coordinator, Cashier
Lowe’s Home Improvement
03.2011 - 03.2015
Rural CARRIER
United States Postal SERVICE
09.2010 - 12.2010
District Photographer
United States Marine Corps
09.2007 - 04.2010
Combat Photographer
United States Marine Corps
Master of Arts - Applied Archaeology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Advanced Archaeological Field Methods -
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Photography & Photojournalism -
Defense Information School
Bachelor of Arts - History of Art, and Architecture, Minor: Museum Studies
University of Pittsburgh