Hotel Engineer

Technical

Varies

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

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.

Commitment Varies

What you will contribute

Responsible for all systems within the accommodation and hospital areas

Maintain required log books and keep proper records of maintenance carried out

Ensure an adequate supply of refrigerant gases and refrigerant lubricating oil is carried onboard

Manage the certification and recharging of all gas cylinders

Manage inventory for Hospital, 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

For This Role, You Will Need

Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW A-III/1 is preferred but not essential

Has successfully completed Basic Safety Training in accordance with STCW A-VI/1-1 to 1-4

Has successfully completed Crowd Management Training in accordance with STCW A-V/2-1

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

Ability to communicate proficiently in English in both written and verbal forms

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. Please contact us if you have additional questions.

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?

Mercy Ships provides opportunities to serve for various lengths of time, both in shorter-term or longer-term capacities. Those wishing to serve for more than twelve (12) months must first successfully complete our
On Boarding Program
(including Foundations of Mercy Ships). All positions have both minimum and maximum lengths of commitment.

Please note: In principle, we believe that families are important, and encourage our staff and crew to maintain a healthy life/work balance, which includes not being separated for
more than a six-month period.
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

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.)