Water Treatment Technician

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a renowned international research organization established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the universe through innovative scientific research and technology development.

Job Overview:
The position of Water Treatment Technician is situated within the Cooling and Ventilation group of CERN's Engineering Department. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of the cooling and ventilation systems that support CERN's accelerator complex and experimental areas. The technician will be responsible for overseeing the installation and commissioning of new systems, as well as upgrading and consolidating existing systems. The role requires a specialized focus on water treatment processes, particularly in industrial cooling systems, and involves a commitment to environmental considerations associated with water usage. The technician will play a key role in maintaining complex cooling plants, contributing to the overall mission of CERN by ensuring that the cooling systems operate efficiently and effectively, thereby supporting the research activities of physicists and engineers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Water Treatment Technician, your primary responsibilities will include planning, coordinating, supervising, and performing preventive and corrective maintenance activities on cooling plants, with a specific focus on water treatment installations. You will regularly liaise with users regarding all matters related to water treatment and propose solutions for new systems or modifications. Additionally, you will technically coordinate contractors' maintenance and installation work, ensuring compliance with contractual clauses and technical standards. Your role will also involve contributing to projects from the design phase through to testing and commissioning, writing technical reports, and maintaining up-to-date technical documentation. Safety is paramount, and you will ensure adherence to safety rules during all interventions. Participation in a stand-by service is also required, which may involve working during nights, weekends, and holidays.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in chemistry or a related field. Demonstrated experience in the maintenance, operation, and installation of water treatment plants, such as reverse osmosis, softeners, ultra-filtration, or granulated activated carbon filters, is essential. Experience in coordinating external contractors and using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) is also required. Additional experience in low voltage electrical systems and initial experience in compressed air plants will be considered advantageous. Technical competencies in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants related to industrial cooling water systems are necessary, along with organizational skills for planning and controlling activities across various technical fields.

Educational Background:
A higher technical diploma in chemistry or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of water treatment and industrial cooling systems, as well as an understanding of the environmental implications of water usage.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in the maintenance, operation, and installation of water treatment systems, particularly in industrial settings. Experience in coordinating technical work with external contractors is essential, as is familiarity with CMMS tools. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working effectively in similar roles, demonstrating the ability to manage complex technical tasks and projects.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a minimum level of B1 in professional contexts. Candidates must also be willing to learn and improve their French language skills, as this is a requirement for the position. The ability to draft technical documents in either English or French is necessary.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of applying for an indefinite position under certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the role is fully onsite. The technician will participate in a regular stand-by duty, which may include nights, Sundays, and official holidays, and will involve work in radiation areas and underground installations. A valid driving license is required, and candidates must obtain medical clearance due to occupational health risks associated with the position. The job grade is classified as 3-4, and the reference for this position is EN-CV-WMC-2025-5-LD.