Company Description

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Description

Introduction

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. Within the cooling and ventilation (CV) group of the EN department, you will join the Water Management and Consolidation Section, which is in charge of the operation and maintenance of the water treatment systems of CERN’s accelerator complex and experimental areas. The activity includes the work site supervision for installation work and commissioning of new systems, upgrade of existing systems and consolidation of old systems.

Are you a qualified technician, specialised in water treatment systems such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration or softener? Contribute your skill and experience to the operation and maintenance of complex cooling plants in a unique environment hosting some of the world’s most complex technical installations. Join CERN’s Cooling and Ventilation operation team. Take part!

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Functions

As a Technician for water treatment systems, you will take part in the operation, maintenance, construction, and modification works of cooling systems that are essential for the operation of CERN scientific facilities.

You will:

• Plan (by using the CMMS system), coordinate, supervise, check, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities on water treatment systems.
• Perform operational activities to ensure the appropriate running of water treatment systems.
• Ensure regular liaison with users for all matters related to equipment under your responsibility.
• Propose and define the most appropriate solution to meet user needs in case of modification or renovation works.
• Technically coordinate contractors’ maintenance and installation work in compliance with contractual clauses and technical standards.
• Contribute to projects from the design phase until the test and commissioning of new water treatment systems.
• Ensuring that the technical documentation is kept up-to-date and compliant with the quality standards.
• Ensure the respect of safety rules for all interventions.
• Participate in the stand-by service for cooling and ventilation systems.
• Follow up and regularly report on activities progress, issues, schedule, and costs.

Qualifications

Technical certificate or general secondary education or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electrical, Electro-mechanical or Mechanical Technician or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience in maintenance, operation, and installation work on water treatment systems;
• Experience in the technical coordination of external contractors;
• Experience in the use of CMMS tools;
• Experience in low-voltage electrical systems;
• Experience in water treatment of cooling circuits (cooling towers or closed circuits);
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of compressed air systems would be an asset;
• Experience in electrical CAD design would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Operation and maintenance of electromechanical equipment and systems: lV network and switchboards;
• Organisation, planning and control: d coordination of activities involving different technical fields (electricity, civil engineering, heavy handling etc.);
• Specification and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract;
• Operation and maintenance of water treatment plants related to industrial cooling water systems;
• Technical supervision of contracts.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Solving Problems: adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than 'gold-plated' technical solutions.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 12.11.2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Exposure to asbestos.
• Exposure to lead.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
• Shift work.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 3-4

Job reference: EN-CV-WMC-2025-211-LD

Field of work: Health, Safety and Environment

Benchmark Job Title: Health Safety and Environment Technician