Hotel Engineer

Please carefully read the role description below to verify that you meet the requirements. The apply button can be found at the bottom of this page.
Driven to provide hope & healing.
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
The Hotel Engineer is responsible to oversee the maintenance of all HVACR, Hospital, and Hotel/accommodation equipment and systems onboard. Tasks are either assigned by the Chief Engineer, or by maintenance requests submitted by the Crew. The Hotel Engineer also manages the Hotel Engineering team, including HVAC Engineers and Hotel Technicians / Plumbers.
Requirements
Each role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.
What You Will Contribute
- Responsible for all HVAC and plumbing in the accommodations, galley and public spaces.
- Maintain required logbooks and keep proper records of maintenance carried out in the Company's planned maintenance system
- Ensure an adequate supply of refrigerant gases and refrigerant lubricating oil is carried onboard
- Manage the certification and recharging of all gas cylinders under the Company's planned maintenance system
- Manage inventory for Hospital (AFM only), Hotel, and HVACR equipment onboard
- Manage the "Maintenance Request" system onboard
- Stand watch in the machinery spaces if required, according to STCW Certificate of Competency
- Comply with the Company Safety Management System as it applies to the responsibilities of this position
- Maintain duty nights as assigned to support the Hotel team.
- To manage the HVACR and Plumbing teams onboard
- Carry out all lawful orders given by the Chief Engineer, including daily compliance of the Engineering Department with the Chief's Standing Orders
- Report immediately to the Chief Engineer whenever anything unforeseen happens with Engineering personnel, machinery, or spaces
- Share in the support and furtherance of Christian community through lifestyle and exhortation
What You Will Need
STCW Certifications
- Required
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW VI/1 Basic Training
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-1 Crowd Management
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-3 Crisis Management and Human Behavior
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/6-1 Security Awareness
- Preferred
- Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW III/2 – Chief Engineer or Second Engineer 3000 kW or greater, with all necessary STCW elements
- Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values
- Understand and apply servant Leadership, work collaboratively with integrity, and demonstrate accountability
- Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead in a multi-cultural setting
- Competent in Windows, Microsoft Office Programs, and general file/folder management tasks
- A full, clean driving license is preferred.
- Ability to communicate proficiently in English in both written and verbal forms
- Ability to solve problems, develop highly functional teams, and resolve conflict
- Exhibit skill and flexibility in managing change and uncertainty
- Successful completion of Mercy Ships Onboarding Program will be required for service of 1 year or more
- Appropriate training and experience in refrigeration and air conditioning systems is required
- Appropriate education, training, and experience in mechanical engineering would be considered
- Any other background with training and experience in maintenance of Hotels, Hospitals, Office/Apartment blocks, and Factories would be considered
- Preferred:
- At least one year’s experience as Second Engineer on a vessel with 3000 KW propulsion system is preferred
About the team
You’ll be part of the Technical Team, a skilled group of professionals who keep the ship running safely and efficiently, maintaining vital systems from engines to electrics so hospital operations can continue smoothly every day in port.
Frequently asked questions.
We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department.
SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.
Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve—and your own.
Faith-Led Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Mercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.
Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer Communications
Volunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.