Galley Staff

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

Our Galley Team daily supplies the Crew, Day Crew, patients and caregivers with the food they need to keep on going. The Galley team will prepare up to 1,700 meals a day in a role that is mostly performed standing up and moving around, while keeping the best possible standards in hygiene.

What you will contribute

• Prepare and cook menu items in compliance with established recipes and standards.
• Assist in the setup and stocking of cooking stations with necessary supplies.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of the galley area, adhering to sanitation standards.
• Adapt to any changes in the menu or galley procedures as directed by the Galley Team Leader, Senior Chef, or Food Services Manager.
• Assist with meal preparation and clean-up.
• Attend departmental meetings on all workdays.

For This Role, You Will Need

• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values.
• Prior cooking experience in a restaurant, fast food, cafeteria, or equivalent commercial kitchen is required.
• Culinary degree or relevant culinary training preferred.
• 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 multitask and work well within a team dynamic.
• Able to lift 30 lbs./14 kg. regularly and have endurance for physical labor activities including bending, kneeling, and walking up and down stairs.

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.