From College to CRM w/ Devan Green
On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Devan Green, a cultural resource technician at ERRO Resources Corporation and Colorado State University anthropology graduate. Devan shares how her anthropology degree led her to a career in cultural resource management and archaeological fieldwork, from conducting pedestrian surveys and documenting archaeological sites to working alongside environmental consultants and federal agencies.
Devan explains what cultural resource management looks like day to day, from winter months spent writing technical reports and site forms to summer seasons hiking long transects, excavating one-meter units, and screening soil for artifacts. She discusses how CRM teams evaluate cultural impacts, collaborate with tribes and state agencies, and determine whether sites require mitigation or avoidance. Devan also shares stories from memorable projects, including an extraordinary 12,000-year cultural landscape in South Park, and reflects on her path into archaeology, field school experiences, seasonal work, and learning to identify artifacts one “special rock” at a time.
Listen now to learn more about CRM archaeology, fieldwork, excavation methods, cultural landscapes, tribal consultation, and building a career in cultural resource management.
CONNECT WITH DEVAN
LinkedIn: Devan Green
Instagram: thetoadgod
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
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Cultural Resource Management (CRM) - Conducting archaeological site checks and surveys prior to new construction projects to preserve historical sites.
Cultural Context Research - Investigating the historical background, native cultures, and heritage of the people who lived in the research area.
1m x 1m Excavation Units & 10cm Levels - Standardized excavation method of digging 1m x 1m grid squares in 10-centimeter levels to carefully track artifact depth and provenance.
Screening / Sifting - Using flathead shovels and buckets to scoop soil into wire mesh screens/sieves to separate artifacts (flakes, pottery shards, tools) from ordinary rocks.
Basic Geology & Lithic Identification - Applying basic geological knowledge in the field to accurately distinguish worked raw materials (e.g., petrified wood, pink quartzite) from surrounding gravel.
Field Experience & Professional Networking - Securing field school training, practical internships, volunteer work, and strong recommendation letters to build essential career experience in CRM.