Meet Jeff James, EnSafe Principal, registered Professional Engineer, and Deputy Program Manager for the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic CLEAN contract, managed through EnSafe’s joint venture with AECOM, Resolution Consultants.
For nearly 30 years, Jeff has supported the Navy’s environmental mission. He has served as Program Manager for EnSafe’s NAVFAC Southeast EMAC since 2012 and Deputy Program Manager for the NAVFAC Atlantic CLEAN contract since 2011. In these roles, Jeff has helped manage hundreds of complex task orders that continue to shape the future of Navy installations nationwide.
Jeff brings deep technical expertise across CERCLA, RCRA, and state cleanup programs, delivering cost-effective solutions that move sites to closure. Known for his hands-on approach and collaborative leadership style, Jeff provides steady continuity for clients navigating some of their most challenging environmental projects.
Below, Jeff shares insights from his career and what continues to motivate him.
How has your approach to leadership evolved over time?
Early in my career, I focused heavily on technical work. As my roles grew, I realized leadership is just as much about people and planning. Anticipating staffing, schedules, and resources early allows teams to stay ahead instead of reacting.
Today, my role is about helping others succeed—providing tools, sharing lessons learned, and removing obstacles. Shifting from solving problems myself to building teams and systems that solve many problems at once has been the biggest change in my leadership approach.
What career accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m especially proud of helping the Navy bring some of its toughest sites to closure. Over the years, I’ve supported teams that have closed more than 200 sites, each representing significant collaboration and persistence.
I’ve also worked closely with regulators in 18 states and five EPA regions. Building trust and finding common ground has been essential to moving projects forward. Some of my most meaningful experiences have come through Tier II partnering efforts in Florida and Texas, where collaboration truly drives progress.
What does success look like in your role today?
Success is about consistency and planning. That means meeting Navy expectations, submitting proposals on time, invoicing accurately, and clearly communicating guidance across teams. I help oversee roughly 150 active task orders at any given time, and proactive scheduling is key to executing multiple projects efficiently.
How do you bring together local and national expertise?
On one of our key Navy projects, we assessed reuse options for a large volume of dredge spoils. Local staff handled field sampling and regulatory requirements, while a national expert provided specialized reuse insight. My role was coordinating those resources and ensuring collaboration. That balance of local knowledge and national expertise delivered real value to the Navy.
What keeps you motivated after all these years?
It’s the relationships—working with talented managers, regulators, and Navy staff who share the same goal of moving projects forward safely and cost-effectively. Every site cleaned up or transferred benefits both the Navy and local communities, and that’s incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy?
After weeks of traveling and meetings, I unwind by playing adult league soccer. My wife and I also enjoy traveling with our three grown children. One of my daughters plans the trips, so all we have to do is show up and enjoy the experience—stress free.