Fire Officer (HSE-FRS-2026-3-LD)

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. 

Introduction

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.

Is this opportunity of interest, and/or you have questions for our Fire Brigade? CERN will be hosting a webinar on 17.02.2026 from 17:00 to 18:30!

Please register here to attend!

Functions

• 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.

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).

Experience:

• 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.

Technical competencies:

• 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.

Behavioural competencies:

• Leading with Strength and Credibility: acting as role model and leading by example; using power and/or position in the interests of all.
• Working in Teams: contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Solving Problems: recognising what is essential; discriminating between important and peripheral information and being able to see the whole picture.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: questioning traditional assumptions and ways of doing things.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 01.03.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organisation's installations.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Shift work, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• 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.
• 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.

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: HSE-FRS-2026-3-LD

Field of work: Health, Safety and Environment

Benchmark Job Title: Fire Officer

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (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.

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!

More information about us, here: careers.cern