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Candace Bias

Candace Bias

By Sara Muri, AgJ '07

Forming a hypothesis, locating the facts and ending up with a conclusion are steps Candace (Cross) Bias takes nearly every day on her job.

The analysis, research and solutions keep Bias busy protecting natural resources across Missouri. Bias is an environmental specialist for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in Jefferson City, Mo.

"On a lot of levels, it is just like an investigation," Bias says. "You set up the investigation much like you set up a hypothesis in science class." Bias' investigations deal with hazardous waste issues across the state.

"I have about 25 hazardous waste enforcement cases," she says. These cases vary greatly and often involve companies who do not properly dispose of their hazardous waste in accordance with state and federal regulations.

But, Bias' job is not just about targeting and discovering people who break the law. "If a company has a big problem with its hazardous waste, that company gets sent to us and we work with the company to get it back into compliance," she says. "Even in the enforcement process, we are helping people along."

Bias' duties at DNR extend beyond the investigation process. At her desk, Bias is surrounded by a maze of blue cubicles. She looks across the rows of cubicles to the occasional green plants peeking above the tops. "It's because we miss the outdoors," she explains.

Overall, Bias' duty is to help people. "I write a listserv every two weeks," she says. "We put out information for hazardous waste generators that tells them how to perform better and remind them of upcoming dates." She also trains interns, maintains the office Web page, coordinates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work and answers e-mails and phone calls. Bias also travels a lot with her job. "I like to get out into the field and visit sites, if possible."

Laurie Bobbitt, DNR enforcement unit chief for solid waste management, has served as Bias' supervisor and was the one who hired her. Bobbitt is continually impressed by her work ethic and drive. "She likes to get new experiences and training in many areas to broaden herself," she says. "She's a go-getter and likes challenges."

Having been with DNR for six years, Bias has come to appreciate the nature of her job. "I really like the Department's mission," she says. "Our mission is to protect and preserve Missouri's natural, cultural and energy resources. And, that is nice to come to work and do every day."

Bias has always known she would be involved in the natural resources field. "It started when I was in sixth grade," she says. "I started going out to creeks and having fun outside; I never wanted to go indoors." Bias says it was her basic love of nature that made her want to participate in natural resources. She still enjoys being outdoors and loves to nature hike, take photographs and camp, if the weather is good.

Raised in Columbia, Bias attended a Department of Conservation summer program. The experience prompted her to major in fisheries and wildlife management at the University of Missouri. In 1999, she earned her bachelor's degree.

While in college, Bias was active in HALO, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization. She also held several internships across the country. She worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Olympia, Wash., the Environmental Protection Agency in Athens, Ga., and the Missouri Department of Conservation in Jefferson City.

Bias knows the importance of internships and real-world experience, especially for college students. "There is a lot of benefit for students who can talk with people in the work force and get advice on anything, from their career paths to where to apply to what to say when you apply," she says.

According to Bobbitt, Bias' extensive background in natural resources and various job positions makes her a good mentor for others. "For a lot of people, life just happens to them," Bobbitt says. "But Candace is not one of those. Her enthusiasm and approach is good for current students to model."

Bias encourages students to continue working hard in the classroom because it is very important to finish your degree. "Always look for opportunities to work part time or during the summer in your field."

For Bias, her position with DNR is a dream come true. "I have learned a lot here at the Department," she says. "If people are looking for a challenge, if they like a variety of work, if they like complex issues – I would like to advise them to come here."

She also feels she can really help people in her position. "I spend a lot of time helping people, whether it is someone from Buchanan County who wants to know where to take hazardous waste or the co-worker in the next cube who has a hazardous waste issue that is really complicated and needs help working it through."

Bias continues to hold the purpose of DNR with high standards. She says, after all, "Everybody likes clean air and clean water."

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