Jurden served in the Canadian Forces for 30 years, retiring in 2006. He originally joined the infantry and spent 7 years with the PPCLI, following which he pursued an occupational transfer to medical assistant and served as a medic for 5 years. After completing his Bachelor of Social Work degree at St. Thomas University in 1989, he re-enrolled in the CF as a social worker. He went on to complete his Master of Social Work degree at the University of Calgary in 1995. Postings included Calgary X2, Gagetown X2, Winnipeg and Halifax, with deployments to Cyprus and Afghanistan. He served on the boards of The MFRC in Calgary and Oromocto. 

Following retirement from the CF Jurden returned to work as a civilian social worker at 19 Wg Comox from 2006 to 2011 and at 17 Wg Winnipeg from 2013 to 2015.

Jurden has been volunteering with the Oromocto Pioneer Gardens since 2023 and while his primary role is sales, he is very much involved in all aspects of ensuring the Gardens are kept in pristine condition.