Hotel Engineer

Technical
Min 2 Years
As a part of the technical crew you will keep the lights on and keep the ship ticking. A chance to make a real difference while getting your hands dirty!

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.

Commitment Min 2 Years

What You Will Contribute

Technical
  • 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.


Maritime Crew Leadership
  • 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


Mission Support

  • 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


Mission and Community
  • 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


Administrative
  • 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


Problem Solving
  • Ability to solve problems, develop highly functional teams, and resolve conflict
  • Exhibit skill and flexibility in managing change and uncertainty


Education and Experience
  • 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.

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Full job description available upon request.

Proceed to Application

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.

What are the medical requirements to serve with Mercy Ships?

Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.

How long can I serve?
Looking for more information? View our general FAQs to learn about life on board, volunteering, and more.
General FAQs

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.

Captain Perez, Africa Mercy & Global Mercy
Rachel Lubitz, Project Assistant, Global Mercy
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Find Your Place On Board

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.

Apply Now

Full job description available upon request.

Proceed to Application
“I think you get lifelong friends in a different way than I’ve done back home. I like the variety of people, cultures, and views.”
Maria Ekstrand — Dining Room Team Leader
“The more I'm seeing peoples' lives being transformed, the more I realize this isn't me giving away two years, it's me gaining two years. For me, it's more like a gift.”
Eugene Ampadu (Videographer, Africa Mercy, Senegal.)