Professional Firefighter

What you'll do

As a firefighter at CERN, you will work 12-hour shifts with 24/7 readiness, responding to emergencies while ensuring safety through monitoring, inspections, and specialised rescue operations.

You will also maintain equipment, support fire prevention efforts, and collaborate with French and Swiss emergency services, all while engaging in continuous training to sustain peak operational performance.

Virtual Q&A Sessions

We will be hosting 2 virtual Q&A sessions in July and August. Registrations are open via the links below:

21.07.2026 (interaction via camera/microphone possible): https://indico.cern.ch/e/firefighters2026-1

06.08.2026 (no camera/microphone option): https://indico.cern.ch/e/firefighters2026-2

For more information about working in CERN’s Fire and Rescue Service, click the link below.

Learn more

Your responsibilities

Emergency response: Perform firefighting, medical emergency response, and rescue operations.
Safety Control Room operations: Monitor and manage emergency dispatch activities.
Technical inspections & patrols: Conduct safety checks and ensure compliance with fire regulations.
Specialised assistance: Provide support in confined space operations, hazardous material handling, and transport missions involving special risks.
Training & exercises: Participate in regular drills and continuous professional development in line with the Fire and Rescue Service’s training plan.
Fire prevention & awareness: Engage in fire safety initiatives, training sessions, and collaborative safety projects.
Equipment maintenance: Ensure the upkeep of firefighting and medical emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and hydrants.
Project participation: Contribute to ongoing projects within the Fire and Rescue Service.
Administrative & operational support: Assist with necessary administrative duties and team-wide responsibilities.
Physical training: Participate in both individual and group fitness programs.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

You hold official diplomas and/or certifications confirming your education and training as a firefighter.
These diplomas and certificates are issued by a public body or a private body acting under the delegation of a public service or a related field.
You currently work, and have demonstrated experience, as a professional firefighter in a public or company fire service.
Experience in control room or ambulance settings would be an advantage.

Your skills

Emergency first response: Firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical care.
Hazardous materials response operations: Response operations for hazardous material incidents.
Teaching and training: Providing training to fellow firefighters and the general public.
Fire safety inspections: Conducting technical assessments and compliance checks.
Firefighting operations: Interior firefighting and fire engine operation.
Relates well to all people regardless of category/level within the Organization.
Adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
Understands when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; includes others accordingly and shares information.
Takes responsibility for own actions and decisions.
Works well autonomously; takes on activities and tasks without prompting.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.The ability to understand and speak the other language in everyday/emergency situations is an advantage. CERN offers language courses to quickly master both French and English.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2027

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 2

Benchmark job: 400030 - Firefighter

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Medical hazard

Exposure as operational firefighter

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

Employment conditions

A valid C driving licence.
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Shift work, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Interventions in underground installations.
Exposure as an operational firefighter.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 4983 Swiss Francs per month, 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. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
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 HSE Department drives CERN’s Safety Policy, promoting a corporate and preventive Safety culture across the Organization.

It provides expertise and support in radiological and conventional safety as well as environmental protection. The Department also manages emergency services, including the CERN Fire and Rescue Service and Medical Service.

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!

Ready To apply?

Be prepared with our resources and tips

All good?

Apply now Allow 15 minutes to complete your online application

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.