Technician for water treatment systems

What you'll do

You will join the Water Management and Consolidation Section within the Cooling and Ventilation (CV) Group of the Engineering Department (EN), responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water treatment systems serving CERN’s accelerator complex and experimental areas. Your activities will include supervising worksites for the installation, upgrade and consolidation of cooling and water treatment systems, as well as commissioning new installations. Using your expertise in water treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration or softening, you will contribute to the reliable operation of complex cooling plants in one of the world’s most unique technical environments.

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Your responsibilities

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.

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Your profile

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

Your skills

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
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; and Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
Adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; Adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than "gold -plated" technical solutions.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 60

Grade range: 3

Benchmark job: 300070 - Health, Safety and Environment Technician

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Medical hazard

Shift work
Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions
Exposure to asbestos
Exposure to lead

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Employment conditions

Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
A valid driving licence.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 5850 Swiss Francs per month (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The EN department provides essential engineering expertise and infrastructure systems for the design, operation, and maintenance of CERN's accelerator complex and experimental facilities.

It covers everything from mechanical engineering to infrastructure management, ensuring the smooth running of technical systems.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.