Melissa Zavala: Staff Archaeologist

Fernley, Nevada | melissazchavez07@gmail.com | (661) 289-0259

 Melissa Zavala is a Staff Archaeologist with over four years of experience supporting environmental investigation and remediation projects across Northern California, Nevada, and New Mexico. She specializes in cultural resource management, archaeological compliance, and field supervision, overseeing investigations from Phase I to Phase III. Melissa collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to conduct archaeological surveys, monitor construction, and prepare detailed cultural resource documentation, including Environmental Impact Reports and DPR 523 forms.

She currently serves as a Staff Archaeologist with Environmental Resource Compliance, LLC, Kleinfelder, and Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc., where she leads field investigations, facilitates Native American consultations, and ensures regulatory compliance with FEMA Section 106 and Cal Fire’s Forest Practice Rules. Her project portfolio includes large-scale environmental recovery efforts and infrastructure projects such as the Lower American River Levee Development, CalRecycle Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Programs, and PG&E Vegetation Management in Northern California.

Melissa earned her B.A. in Anthropology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from California State University, Chico. She holds certifications in Forensic Archaeology Field Methods, FEMA IC 100/200, and 24-Hour HAZWOPER. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is recognized for her adaptability, attention to detail, and dedication to the preservation of cultural and historical resources.