Environmental Protection Technician

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research. With over 2,500 employees and a diverse workforce from more than 100 nationalities, CERN operates in multiple countries, primarily in Switzerland and France. The organization is dedicated to probing the fundamental structure of the universe, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN's mission emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge, making it a leader in the field of particle physics and engineering.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Protection Technician position within CERN's environmental protection group involves conducting sampling and physicochemical analyses to ensure compliance with environmental regulations in both host countries. The role requires the technician to collect environmental samples and perform various physicochemical measurement campaigns on effluents and river water from CERN sites and surrounding natural environments. The technician will be responsible for preparing samples for analysis, conducting analyses using advanced laboratory techniques, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data and reports. This position is crucial for maintaining CERN's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, as it directly impacts the quality of water discharges and compliance with regulatory standards. The technician will also engage in on-site investigations during environmental events and monitor physicochemical trends in CERN's effluents, making this role vital for the organization's environmental stewardship.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Technician include:

• Collecting environmental samples from various sites, including effluents and river water.
• Conducting physicochemical measurement campaigns to assess water quality.
• Preparing samples for physicochemical analysis and ensuring proper handling and storage.
• Performing analyses using techniques such as Ionic chromatography, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), High Pressure Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLCMS-MS), and photometry.
• Supervising the installation, maintenance, and qualification of laboratory analysis and quality control (QC) equipment.
• Managing laboratory stocks and inventory to ensure availability of necessary materials.
• Drafting technical documents and reports, including tables of analytical results, to communicate findings effectively.
• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data and analytical reports to meet the needs of internal stakeholders.
• Conducting on-site investigations in case of environmental events to assess impact and compliance. 1
• Following trends in physicochemical continuous monitoring of CERN’s effluents to identify any anomalies or areas for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in Analytical Chemistry or a related field. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate technical expertise in physicochemical analyses using laboratory instruments such as ICP-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, IC, AOX, TOC-TN, FTIR, and Photometry. Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems is essential, along with experience in coordinating laboratory instrumentation maintenance. Familiarity with technical norms and environmental regulations related to sampling, measurement, and analysis is considered an asset. Field experience, including sampling campaigns and in-situ measurements, is also advantageous. Knowledge of wastewater treatment and sanitation infrastructure, including operational processes and environmental constraints, or water treatment technologies (physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods) would be beneficial.

Educational Background:
The position requires a higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Analytical Chemistry or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex physicochemical analyses and laboratory techniques that will be employed in the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated technical expertise in physicochemical analyses, particularly using laboratory instruments such as ICP-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, and other relevant technologies. Experience in laboratory quality management systems and coordination of laboratory instrumentation maintenance is also required. Field experience, including participation in sampling campaigns and in-situ measurements, is highly desirable. Knowledge of environmental regulations and wastewater treatment processes will further enhance a candidate's suitability for this position.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the other language. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the diverse workforce at CERN and for compliance with regulatory documentation.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the position is fully onsite. Candidates must be prepared to work in radiation areas, reside in the immediate vicinity of CERN's installations, and may be required to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed. Additionally, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance due to the occupational health risks associated with the position. The job grade is classified as 3-4, and the reference for this job is HSE-ENV-PM-2026-54-LD.