Fire Officer

What you'll do

You will serve as a hands-on Fire Officer within CERN’s Fire and Rescue Service, combining operational command on shift with managerial responsibilities in a complex, high-risk, international environment. Your primary responsibility is to lead and coordinate emergency response operations while actively contributing to planning, training, readiness and continuous improvement of the service.

Your responsibilities

Provide operational command during firefighting, rescue, and accident response incidents in a complex, high risk industrial environment, acting as on duty Fire Officer and coordinating effectively with internal services and external emergency responders in France and Switzerland.
Maintain continuous operational readiness through oversight of personnel, vehicles, and equipment, ensuring safe, effective, and timely interventions.
Sustain a strong hands-on operational presence, with direct engagement in daily fire station activities, team leadership, and shift level operations.
Contribute to operational planning, emergency preparedness, and risk management, including post incident follow up and continuous improvement actions.
Lead and support firefighter training, drills, and exercises, promoting operational competence, teamwork, and readiness.
Participate in operational and administrative management, supporting projects, innovation, and stakeholder engagement to enhance safety and operational excellence.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

At least five years’ experience as a Fire Officer in an urban, industrial, or large organised fire service, with proven operational command capability and sound knowledge of incident command systems.
Hands on operational professional with strong understanding of fire station operations, readiness management, training, exercises, and operational preparedness.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and make sound decisions under pressure, working effectively in an international and multicultural environment.
Experience working with partner emergency services and stakeholders, with a strong interest in innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing.
Experience in Fire Prevention, Fire Engineering, Hazardous Materials, Dispatch, Education and Training, Emergency Medical response is desirable.
You have the diplomas and/or certificates proving you are educated and trained as a Fire Officer or in the fields of Emergency Management, Operations Management, Incident command, Fire Science, Fire Engineering, Civil Protection, Public Safety, or an equivalent fire officer training programme or a related field.
The ideal candidate shall have a Recognised Fire Officer certification issued by a public authority or an accredited body, with formal training in incident command (Bronze level or equivalent).

Your skills

Emergency first response: including preparedness, ability to plan, coordinate and execute emergency operations, including cooperation with internal services and external emergency organisations.
Incident command and control: knowledge of operational procedures, command structures, resources and readiness mechanisms essential for effective response.
Occupational safety and risk management: including crisis management, the capability to assess risks, manage crises and make sound operational decisions in high-pressure and time-critical situations.
Stakeholder relationship management: ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, strengthen cooperation between teams and coordinate actions with multiple internal and external partners.
Health, Safety and Environment expertise: understanding safety systems, emergency response principles and incident management in a complex industrial and scientific environment.
Acts as role model and leads by example; uses power and/or position in the interests of all.
Contributes to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addresses issues.
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Recognises what is essential; discriminates between important and peripheral information and is able to see the whole picture.
Questions traditional assumptions and ways of doing things.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration: 60 month contract

Grade range: 4

Benchmark job: 301210 - Fire Officer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

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 driving licence.
Stand-by duty, shift work, and work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organisation's installations.
Interventions in underground installations.
Work in Radiation Areas.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 7006 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 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.