Hotel Engineer

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.

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

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 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

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.