Campbell joined the civil service in 1883 as a second surveyor in the Public Works Department of the Selangor Government.

His predecessor, C. B. Buckley, whose official title was Honorary Financial Adviser to the Government of Johor, had been unpaid and non-resident.

Campbell's title was therefore designated as General Advisor and he joined the Government as a seconded officer from the Federated And Protected Malay States enabling him to continue to draw his salary from the Civil List.

[5] A memorial brass plate was placed in St. Mary's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur.

Campbell Road (now Jalan Dang Wangi) in Kuala Lumpur was named after him.