James Huffines

Senior GIS Professional with 25+ years of experience leading national-scale geospatial initiatives. I specialize in translating complex technical requirements into practical data solutions, focusing on accuracy, workflow efficiency, and team collaboration. My approach is simple: "If you can't explain it, you can't maintain it."I architect scalable GIS solutions leveraging the ESRI ecosystem (ArcGIS Pro, AGOL) and open-source frameworks (GDAL/OGR, QGIS). I prioritize accuracy and repeatability, ensuring every workflow meets both technical and operational needs.With a 24-year tenure at a single organization, I bring rare professional loyalty and a track record in Independent Technical Review (ITR) for multi-year (3–5 year) projects. I believe in "doing it once and doing it right" to prevent costly rework and deliver authoritative, analysis-grade data.Core Competencies:• Geospatial Data Architecture & Workflow Design• Complex Raster Analysis, Bathymetry & Surface Modeling• Independent Technical Review (ITR) & QA/QC• Geoprocessing Automation & Python Scripting (ArcPy)• Open-Source Integration & Platform Agnostic Solutions• Engineering Technical Support & Data Development• Cartography & Data Visualization• Climate Resilience & Vulnerability Assessment• LiDAR Processing & Point Cloud Data Development• Hydraulic Model Result Validation & Geospatial Integration• Federal Mapping/Data Standards (FEMA RiskMAP, USGS LBS, NLD)• Technical Mentorship & Professional Staff DevelopmentKey Project Milestones:➤ National-Scale NFIP Leadership: Directed multi-state production for FEMA’s NFIP since 2009; oversaw up to 20 concurrent projects annually.➤ FFRMS Leadership: Spearheaded 12-month initiative for FEMA Regions 8, 9, and 10; architected workflows and QC protocols for flood-resilience metrics.➤ Large-Scale Terrain Architecture: Led development of terrain datasets for 33,500 sq. miles and 3,010 stream miles using nested COG architecture.➤ Workflow Automation: Developed custom Python/GDAL/OGR workflows, significantly reducing processing timelines for national initiatives.➤ USACE NLD Realignment: Applied expertise to safety-critical realignments, reconciling as-built data with local topography to identify vulnerabilities.➤ Multi-Agency Resilience: Led geospatial integration for joint FEMA/USACE initiatives, including the 498-mile Lower Missouri River analysis.➤ Amtrak Vulnerability Assessment: Senior Lead for climate study evaluating risks across 460 miles of rail and 800 structures.✉ jhuffines0729@gmail.com