Jim Carlson received a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Portland and an M.B.A. in Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University. Jim is co-owner of Carlson Nursery, Inc. Jim lives in the original homestead, which dates to 1890 and which his family has owned since 1905. Jim has held positions with the Oregon Association of Nurseries, Johnson Creek Watershed Committee, USDA Farm Service Agency and the Gresham Farmer's Market.

Currently Jim is employed by Horizon Air as a Team Captain in Portland, where he has completed the Alaska Airlines Developing Emerging Leaders Program and also obtained a certificate in Leadership from Oregon State University. Jim also manages his family's nursery operation and has a vested interest in soil and water issues to ensure the continued viability of his farmland in East Multnomah County.

Jim was elected as At-Large Director with the EMSWCD in 2020. He is serving a 4-year term, and his seat is up for election in November 2024. Jim is the Treasurer of the EMSWCD Board and serves on the Budget, Land Legacy and Grants Committees.