Kesta James has worked as a consultant and an environmental specialist since 2000, with project experience in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Broward, and Miami Dade Counties. As a consultant within the private sector from 2000 to 2008, her focus was on soil and groundwater pollution, land use conversion, worker health and safety, and industrial hygiene. Her professional responsibilities included field assessments, project design and report preparation, contractor oversight, and budget management. In 2008, Ms James began work at The School District of Palm Beach County in the department of Environmental and Conservation Services as an Environmental Specialist, and the Environmental Manager, where she assisted in the oversight of programs in Indoor Air Quality, Asbestos, and Hazardous Waste Management. In 2017, she accepted the position as Area Manager in the Department of Facilities Services, where duties included the supervision of up to 75 staff and maintenance of 60 school and ancillary facilities. In 2021, Ms James became Director of Environmental & Conservation Services, overseeing the District's regulated programs, hazardous waste compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, sustainability, wetlands, protected species, and other conservation programs and best practices.

Ms James has been an active participant in hurricane recovery efforts for the past 14 years, from the 2004 hurricane season (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne) to the 2017 Hurricane Irma. Ms James was part of the emergency response and restoration team for both Palm Beach County and The School District of Palm Beach County, as well as other private entities. Her job responsibilities included identification of interior damage, design of remediation and mold mitigation actions, contractor oversight during the restoration effort, and FEMA documentation.