Working for the state of Nevada has provided John Warren with more than just a job, but a stable life he never imagined in his youth. After a challenging childhood marked with homelessness and drug use, an opportunity with the State Library and Archives helped John get his life on track.  

“I thought I’d be working fast food the rest of my life, but working for the state gave me a chance at a career and stable life I’ve never had. And, I get to do something that is making a difference in our community,” said John.  

As a microfilm lab technician, John is responsible for archiving and organizing important public records and documents from state and municipal agencies. These documents are later used for historical research, books, legal cases, maps, or family genealogy projects.  

“I’m proud of the work I do – these documents are important for Nevada and are used in books, legal cases, or even people trying to put together their family history. The work I do is important for Nevadans, if they ever need to go back and access files from their interactions with a state agency, their records are readily available and easily accessible,” said John.  

For John, being a Nevada state employee is more than a career, he’s made a community with his coworkers.  

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my coworkers taking me in and showing me how this work is done. Joshua Dealy, who passed away last year, encouraged me to apply for a full-time position after my stint as a temp ended. He helped me learn the skills for microfilm, but also became one of my closest friends,” said John.