James holds a Master of Engineering Science degree in Coastal and Water Engineering and has over 27 years of experience in coastal and water engineering. James has served on the NSW Coasts Oceans and Port Engineering Panel (COPEP) of Engineers Australia since 2000, and its National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering (NCCOE) since 2017. Prior to WRL, James worked in the construction industry, including construction and estimating experience for a civil/marine contractor. He has been a surfer and surf life saver for over 40 years.