Chief Electrician

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 Chief Electrician is in charge of the Electrical department, responsible to the Chief Engineer for the daily operations and maintenance of the electrical and electronics equipment. You and your team will be installing new equipment, as well as taking care of the maintenance and repair of existing equipment, including the fire safety panel, our most important system on board (joint first with the coffee machine)!

What you will contribute

Technical

• Maintain and routinely inspect electrical machinery, equipment, distribution, and lighting systems
• Direct electrical department in daily maintenance and repair tasks
• Plan for and oversee installation of new equipment
• Report to Chief Engineer with regards to work planning, work done, and consumption of spare parts and stores daily
• Notify Chief Engineer in the event of any breakdowns or issues that affect the vessel and its personnel
• Inform Chief Engineer of all future requirements for electrical spare parts and stores
• Responsible for maintaining and testing the fire safety panel and all associated electrical equipment
• Direct Electronics technician daily and prioritizing tasks as needed
• Prepare electricians duty roster
• Plan and report work in Company planned maintenance system

Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE)

• Follow all safety measures as defined in the company Safety management Systems
• Participate in regular drills and join emergency teams as required by the Safety Officer
• Support emergency procedures such as fire drills, damage control, and pollution response
• Comply with all health, safety, and environmental protection standards
• Report non-conformities, accidents involving personnel or vessel, and hazardous occurrences to the Company
• Knowledge of Company SMS as it applies to responsibilities involved in this position

Mission Support

• Share in the support and furtherance of the Christian community through lifestyle and exhortation.

For This Role, 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
• Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW VI/6-1 Security Awareness
• Certificate of Examination in accordance with STCW I/9 Medical Fitness and Minimum In-Service Eyesight

Preferred

• Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW III/6 Electro-Technical Officer and all necessary STCW elements

Skills and Competencies

• Comfortable working on 400VAC and 690VAC systems
• Strong sense of discipline, cleanliness, and attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions and safety procedures precisely
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, including the ability to respectfully challenge decisions or directives when necessary to prioritise safety in accordance with safety procedures including risk assessments and stop work authority
• Good physical condition; capable of working in high-heat and enclosed spaces
• Team player with a positive attitude toward learning and development
• Problem Solving: Ability to solve problems and resolve conflict

Mission and Community

• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values
• Work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability
• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
• Administrative

Competent in Windows, Microsoft Office Programs

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

Education and Experience

• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding Program for commitments of longer than 12 months.
• Education and training showing evidence of a thorough knowledge of electrical equipment and distribution systems
• Minimum 4 years of electrical experience in either of the following settings:
• Industrial environments (e.g., manufacturing, heavy equipment, facilities)
• Marine environments (e.g., shipboard systems, dockside operations, maritime vessels)
• Marine electrical experience is preferred, but candidates with relevant industrial electrical backgrounds will also be considered
• Previous experience organizing and managing a small team is preferred

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.