James Harkins (born December 29, 1953) is an American politician who served as Director of Maryland Environmental Services from 2005 until March 2016.

Harkins attended Bel Air High School.

Harkins joined the Harford County Sheriff's Office and was eventually promoted to sergeant.

He was awarded Police Officer of the Year - Harford County by the Baltimore Sun in 1981 and Deputy of the Year, Harford County Sheriff's Department, 1981.

He served in this office until June 30, 2005 when Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed him to be Director of Maryland Environmental Service.