KIANA CHANTE VANCE
Reno,NV
Summary
Anthropology graduate (4.0 GPA) with 10+ years of experience in cultural resource management, tribal consultation, and federal law compliance. Skilled in collaborating with archaeologists, federal agencies, contractors, and tribal communities to protect and preserve cultural, archaeological, and historic resources.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Museum Intern
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum
Carson City, NV
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Assisted with museum operations, artifact preservation, and educational programming.
- Collaborated with a team to plan and execute special events, attracting new patrons to the museum.
- Evaluated visitor feedback data to identify opportunities for improvement within exhibits or overall experience at the museum.
- Provided visitor services and customer support, including cash handling and inventory in the museum gift shop.
- Engaged with visitors, providing informative tours that fostered appreciation for cultural heritage.
Cultural Resource Survey Specialist
Heckla Mining Company
Battle Mountain, NV
11.2014 - Current
- Escort and monitor contractors and consultants to ensure cultural and archaeological resources are not disturbed, damaged, or removed.
- Monitor ground-disturbing activities, excavation, and heavy equipment operations.
- Educate contractors, mining personnel, and agency staff on culturally protected areas, tribal concerns, and compliance responsibilities.
- Document daily activities and prepare written reports submitted to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
- Daily consultation with federal agencies and tribal representatives.
- Collaborated with archaeologists to complete Class I, II, and III surveys, conserving cultural resources and minimizing environmental impacts to preserve historic properties, including sites listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and culturally significant areas beyond historic designation.
- Oversaw heavy equipment operations to ensure containment of contaminants and prevent environmental pollution.
- Assisted clients with interpreting survey results, guiding them towards evidence based decisionmaking.
Student Employee – Fitness & Recreational Sports
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Provided customer service while ensuring adherence to safety protocols and departmental policies.
- Monitored equipment and facilities to ensure continuity of operations and responsible stewardship of resources.
- Earned CPR Certification to support emergency response and public safety responsibilities.
- Assisted in managing student records using university databases to ensure data accuracy.
- Utilized communication tools to relay information effectively among team members.
- Adapted quickly to changing tasks while maintaining high levels of efficiency.
- Supported faculty with administrative tasks, enhancing overall workflow effectiveness.
- Assisted office guests with finding correct personnel and rooms for appointments and inquiries.
- Supported office and field workers by fielding phone calls, scheduling appointments and processing mail.
- Ran errands and dropped off packages for office staff.
- Implemented time management techniques to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines consistently.
Department Intern – Anthropology
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Supported graduate-level anthropological research, including review and preparation of dissertation materials.
- Assisted faculty and graduate students with artifact identification, cataloging, and documentation in accordance with archaeological standards.
- Created and maintained GIS maps to support spatial analysis of archaeological data.
- Organized and managed research datasets, field notes, and digital records to ensure accessibility.
- Contributed to culturally informed research practices involving Indigenous materials and descendant community considerations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV03.2025
Skills
- Microsoft Excel, GIS, Word, PowerPoint
- Grant writing and research support
- Cultural resource management / artifact handling
- NAGPRA NAGPRA, NEPA, OSHA, and Section 106 compliance knowledge
- Effective communication and advocacy
Accomplishments
- Designed Excel-based inventory tracking spreadsheets to improve organization
- Awarded a competitive graduate level grant as an undergraduate.
- Consistently earned Dean’s List honors while serving as President of a student organization
Certification
- Cultural Resource Survey Specialist (CRSS)
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Training
- (CPR) Certified
Timeline
Student Employee – Fitness & Recreational Sports
University of Nevada, Reno
01.2025 - 05.2025
Museum Intern
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum
09.2023 - 12.2023
Department Intern – Anthropology
University of Nevada, Reno
01.2020 - 01.2023
Cultural Resource Survey Specialist
Heckla Mining Company
11.2014 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Nevada, Reno
Awards & Honors
Dean’s List (Consecutive, 4 Years), Honors Society – High Academic Achievement, Lillijablab Grant Recipient, Nevada Undergraduate Research Award (NURA)
RESEARCH & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- University of Nevada, Reno
- President, Indigenous Student Organization (ISO / SKIN) (3 years) :Directed organizational operations and advocacy for Indigenous students. Planned and executed the UNR Powwow amid COVID-19 restrictions, managing logistics, community engagement, and Indigenous traditions.
- Nevada Undergraduate Research Award (NURA) Recipient: Completed applied research in partnership with communities.
- Lillijablab Grant Recipient: Conducted anthropological research in collaboration with communities.