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 Electricians perform electrical work as assigned by the Chief Electrician for the proper maintenance and repair of the on board electrical 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

• Assist engineers in the maintenance and repair of engines, generators, pumps, compressors, and other machinery
• Maintain and routinely inspect electrical machinery, equipment, distribution, and lighting systems as assigned
• Report immediately to the Chief Electrician whenever anything unforeseen happens
• Report to Chief Electrician with regards to status of assignments and consumption of spare parts and stores
• Plan and report work in Company planned maintenance system
• Monitor machinery under supervision and report anomalies immediately
• Record engine readings, temperatures, and pressures as directed
• Prepare tools and spares for use and ensure proper storage after tasks
• Take on duty shifts (including weekends) according to schedule

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

Mission Support

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

For This Role, You Will Need

STCW Certifications

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

Skills and Competencies

• Electrical aptitude and basic tool handling skills
• Comfortable working on 400VAC and 690VAC systems
• Strong sense of discipline, cleanliness, and attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions and safety procedures precisely
• 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 3 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

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.