James Weatherford is a Resource Specialist. He joined TCD in spring 2004 as an Intern from The Evergreen State College and was later hired as a Project Assistant in June 2004 until he became a permanent Resource Technician in January 2005. He was promoted to Resource Specialist in January 2006.

James graduated from Centralia College in 2003 with an Associates Degree with environmental sciences/natural resources focus. In 2005 he received a BA in Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College. He is an American Society of Agronomy Certified Crop Advisor, and Certified Conservation Planner by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Additionally, James is a licensed Public Pesticide Consultant. His professional organization memberships include the American Society of Agronomy, Planning Association of Washington (PAW), and the Washington State chapter of the American Planning Association (Environment, Natural Resources and Energy Division).

He performs a variety of duties at TCD, including serving as a member of the TCD Ag Team assisting small farmers and ranchers with best management practices, soil testing and nutrient management, cropping and planting systems as well as animal management and writing conservation plans. He also works extensively with small landowners in rural residential and urban areas assisting with best management practices and conservation planning. Additionally, he sits on the Washington State Conservation Commission Urban, Community, and Coastal Resources Committee.

James grew up on a ranch in Eastern Oregon and has an extensive background as an Ag Professional in large commercial agriculture in Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington. He is also a former Adams County Planning Commissioner.

In his spare time, James enjoys raising horses, raising goats to develop a Nubian/Boer meat goat cross, and growing his family’s vegetables. He particularly enjoys taking his young son to the beach to see ocean critters and other natural wonders.