Early wetland wanderings lead to meaningful work for the environment

A career built on training in the wild

The countless childhood hours Campbell spent exploring the natural wonders mere steps from his home helped mold his appreciation for all things wild into a successful career.

Campbell pursued his post-secondary education and graduated with a BSc. in biology from Mount Allison University in 1999. He completed a further specialization in ornithology and his graduate MSc. degree at Acadia University in 2005. 

A three-year northern adventure took Campbell to La Crete, Alta., where bountiful wilderness beckoned. As a professional hunting guide and trapper, he further honed his understanding of the natural world. 

Much of Campbell’s career has been related to wetland and waterfowl research and he is committed to increasing his understanding to benefit local waterfowl populations. Prior to working for DUC, Campbell was employed with the Canadian Wildlife Service as a maintenance technician, wildlife technician, research assistant and biologist. 

In 2007 he joined DUC in New Brunswick as a contract researcher to investigate cattail control measures. He soon rose through the ranks to become the maintenance contractor, and then conservation program specialist. In the process, he refined his skills as both a practitioner of conservation delivery and as a leader through his active engagement on DUC’s Atlantic staff leadership team. Since December 2021, Campbell has served as manager of Atlantic operations based in Amherst, N.S. and is responsible for overseeing wetland conservation projects across Atlantic Canada, including high-profile initiatives like this $3-million restoration initiative along the Wolastoq in New Brunswick.

Hometown proud 

In late 2022, the marshes where Campbell once roamed as a child garnered impressive cred on a global scale when the Convention on Wetlands named Sackville an accredited Wetland City, the first North American city to achieve this distinction. 

Campbell’s proud, and frankly, not a bit surprised about his hometown’s latest honour. 

“In Sackville, conservation isn’t just a concept. It’s the culture,” says Campbell, who also volunteers on the local DUC fundraising committee. “When you grow up here you are immersed in the magic of wetlands daily which instills a deep appreciation of all the benefits they provide. Benefits worthy of a lifelong pursuit to protect them.” 

Job satisfaction level: High

As DUC celebrates its 85th anniversary year in 2023, Campbell acknowledges that more people need to know about the cutting-edge conservation work DUC is doing for wetlands, wildlife and people across Canada—qualities that drew him to the organization in the first place.  

“We are all working hard to protect, manage, maintain, enhance and restore wetlands. And they should all feel as proud as I do to be part of DUC’s success,” says Campbell. 

“As a staff member, I know DUC does great work. I’m reminded of that every time I visit one of our wetlands teeming with wildlife, when I take my family canoeing, and hunt waterfowl with my daughters on a wetland I helped restore.  I go home from work each night feeling like I helped influence the environment for the better.”