Hazardous Material Decontamination Engineer - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Act as referent for pollutant-related works within the SCE-SAM group, managing hazardous materials decontamination activities at CERN
• Act as contract manager for hazardous substances decontamination frame contracts, overseeing budget, quality, schedule and safety
• Serve as referent of civil engineering section for works and projects in technical galleries and Proton Synchrotron complex facility
• Manage project design steps in collaboration with internal CERN entities, consultants and contractors
• Plan and manage execution of construction and renovation projects, including coordination of trades and contract management
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental rules and promote strong safety culture on work sites
• Report on and document activities on a regular basis

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Civil Engineering or a related field
• Experience: Proven experience in execution and/or supervision of hazardous substance decontamination works; demonstrated civil engineering experience in maintenance and operation of buildings or infrastructures; experience in coordinating multi-technical trades across projects
• Languages: French (spoken…), English (commitm…)
• Key skills: Hazardous materials response operations, Knowledge of building construction, consolidation and renovation, Contract management, Organisation, planning and control, Cost and schedule management, Taking initiative and making things happen, Structured and organised approach to work, Negotiation techniques, Team working
• Eligibility: Applicants from CERN Member States and Associate Member States welcome. Certification as pollutant removal specialist compliant with Swiss regulations and registered with SUVA required. Valid driving licence required. Medical clearance required before contract offer. Radiation worker category A. Work in radiation areas, underground installations, exposure to asbestos, lead, carcinogens, mutagens…

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 3 years, with possibility to extend up to 8 years and eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: Civil Engineering section (CE) within the Site Asset Management (SAM) Group.

Position details

Reference

SCE-SAM-CE-2026-169-LD

Last Verified

6 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Hazardous Material Decontamination Engineer at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is SCE-SAM-CE-2026-169-LD. The role falls under the Other domain.

At [CERN](http://home.cern/), the European Organization 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 contribute to hazardous materials decontamination activities and civil engineering works and projects across CERN’s buildings and underground infrastructures. In this role, you manage the preparation, coordination and follow-up of interventions, working closely with engineers, technicians, consultants and contractors to ensure safe and compliant operations. You are involved in both planning and on-site activities, combining technical coordination with hands-on follow-up. You will join the Civil Engineering section (CE) within the Site Asset Management (SAM) Group.

Functions

* Act as the referent for pollutant-related works within the SCE-SAM group, managing the of hazardous materials decontamination activities at CERN. * Act as contract manager for hazardous substances decontamination frame contracts, overseeing budget, quality, schedule and safety, and managing financial variations, claims and settlements with contractors. * Serve as the referent of the civil engineering section for works and projects in technical galleries and the Proton Synchrotron complex facility. * Manage project design steps (preliminary, concept design, developed project design, building permit, technical specifications and relevant documentation for tenders and execution design) in collaboration with internal CERN entities as well as the consultants and contractors appointed. * Plan and manage the execution of construction and renovation projects, including coordination of various trades, utilisation of service and frame contracts and contract management, chairing site and coordination meetings, and monitoring cost, quality, schedule and safety until final acceptance. * Ensure compliance with safety and environmental rules and promote a strong safety culture on work sites. * Report on and document activities on a regular basis.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Civil Engineering or a related field.

Certification as a pollutant removal specialist, compliant with Swiss regulations and registered with SUVA and ideally a valid certification in "SS3 Technical Management" in accordance with French regulations and labour code.

Experience:

* Proven experience in the execution and/or supervision of hazardous substance decontamination works. * Demonstrated civil engineering experience in the maintenance and operation of buildings or infrastructures. * Experience in coordinating multi-technical trades across projects. * Experience on large-scale sites in industrial and/or scientific environments would be an asset. * Proven experience in in building construction or renovation projects would be an asset. * Experience in concrete and steel structure works would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

* Hazardous materials response operations. * Knowledge of building construction, consolidation and renovation. * Contract management. * Organisation, planning and control. * Cost and schedule management.

Behavioural competencies:

* Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen. * Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind. * Demonstrating Flexibility: readily accepting new tasks or work/projects. * Communicating Effectively: utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved. * Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.

Language skills:

Spoken and written French, with a commitment to learn English.

Eligibility and closing date:

[Diversity](https://diversity.web.cern.ch/) has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all [Member States and Associate Member States](https://home.cern/about/member-states).

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 06.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 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:

* Work in Radiation Areas. * Interventions in underground installations. * A valid driving licence. * Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization. * Exposure to asbestos. * Exposure to lead. * Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction. * Radiation worker, category A. * Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions. * Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SCE-SAM-CE-2026-169-LD

Field of work: Civil Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Civil Engineer

Global Benefits

* A [competitive salary](https://careers.cern/pay-benefits-and-support/)(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](https://careers.cern/)

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 3 August 2026, 2 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 August 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Other field browse our Other domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.