Prior to current appointment, Jim was CALM’s Director National Parks (12 years) and Scientific Advisor. Jim has a background in social research, park policy development, tourism and recreation access, Aboriginal policy, volunteers, external funding, leases, licenses, and visitation research. He is a Board member of the Friends of the Bibbulmun Track (long distance walk track) and the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation (long distance cycling trail). The Boards are models for development of unique cross regional partnerships focused on the natural environment.

Jim is a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas Working Group on Tourism in Protected Areas and has a strong interest in the establishment, promotion and sustainable use of protected areas.