Laundry Attendant – Stateroom and Uniform Laundry Maintenance
cruise ship jobs
Available Locations:
cape town, Western Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
The Laundry Attendant is responsible for the timely, hygienic, and high‑quality washing, drying, pressing, and distribution of guest stateroom linens, towels, and crew uniforms. You will operate industrial laundry equipment, follow strict cleanliness and safety standards, and ensure inventory is accurately tracked and delivered on schedule to housekeeping and crew departments. This role is essential to the overall guest and crew experience, supporting impeccable cabin presentation and a professional crew appearance.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate industrial washers, dryers, flatwork ironers, presses, steamers, and finishing equipment safely and efficiently.
- Sort, count, and label soiled linens, terry, and uniforms; separate by fabric type, colorfastness, and level of soil.
- Apply correct wash formulas (temperature, chemicals, cycle length) to ensure disinfection, stain removal, and fabric longevity.
- Press and finish guest linens and crew uniforms to company presentation standards.
- Perform minor mending/sewing of uniforms (buttons, hems, small tears) as required.
- Maintain accurate records of daily loads, chemical usage, rejects, and repairs.
- Adhere to infection control and HACCP/USPH or other maritime public health standards.
- Conduct routine cleaning, descaling, and basic preventive maintenance of laundry machinery; promptly report faults.
- Assist with inventory counts; ensure adequate par levels of linens, chemicals, and consumables.
- Package, label, and deliver finished items to designated lockers, pantries, and distribution points on time.
- Support housekeeping during peak turnarounds and emergency operational needs.
- Comply with shipboard safety drills, PPE usage, and company environmental policies (chemical handling, wastewater, waste segregation).
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Proven ability to operate commercial or industrial laundry equipment.
- Understanding of textile care, fabric types, stain treatment, and pressing techniques.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy laundry bags/carts (up to 25–30 kg) and stand for extended periods.
- Strong attention to detail, quality, and hygiene.
- Basic math and record‑keeping skills for load counts, inventory, and chemical dosing.
- Good communication skills in English; ability to follow SOPs and safety instructions.
- Knowledge of chemical safety (MSDS), PPE, and safe handling procedures.
Experience
- Essential: 1–2 years of experience in a hotel, resort, hospital, cruise ship, or industrial laundry facility.
- Preferred: Prior cruise ship or remote/rotational work experience; exposure to USPH/ShipSan/UKPH or equivalent public health standards.
- Certifications (an advantage):
- STCW Basic Safety Training (or willingness to obtain).
- Crowd Management / Crisis Management (per flag/state requirements).
- First Aid / Occupational Health & Safety awareness.
Working Hours
- Contract-based shipboard schedule (typically 6–9 months on, followed by vacation/off-contract period).
- Shift work, including weekends and public holidays; average 10–11 hours per day as per maritime labor regulations and company policy.
- Overtime may be required during embarkation days, peak turnarounds, or operational exigencies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Technical Knowledge: Wash programs, chemical dosing systems, equipment troubleshooting basics.
- Quality & Hygiene: Meticulous standards for cleanliness, cross‑contamination prevention, and fabric care.
- Time Management: Ability to meet tight deadlines and handle high-volume workloads.
- Teamwork: Cooperative, respectful, and able to work effectively in a multicultural crew environment.
- Safety Mindset: Familiarity with lockout/tagout basics, safe lifting techniques, and emergency procedures.
- Adaptability: Comfortable with rotating shifts, confined workspaces, and motion at sea.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-free salary paid monthly in USD (or as per company policy).
- Free accommodation and meals onboard.
- Medical coverage during the contract period, including access to shipboard medical facilities.
- Uniforms provided and laundered by the company.
- Travel arrangements to and from the vessel as per company policy.
- Structured career pathways to Senior Laundry Attendant / Laundry Supervisor roles.
- Exposure to international destinations and multicultural teams.
Why Join
- Play a critical role in delivering five-star guest experiences and professional crew presentation.
- Gain global work exposure aboard world-class cruise ships.
- Build a stable, progression-oriented career in shipboard hotel operations.
- Benefit from comprehensive training, safety certifications, and skill development programs.
- Enjoy the unique lifestyle of working at sea with travel and cultural exchange opportunities.
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV/Resume highlighting relevant laundry/housekeeping experience, certifications, and language skills.
- Attach supporting documents (experience letters, STCW/medical certificates if available, passport, C1/D or relevant seafarer visa if already held).
- Submit your application to the Cruise Ship Jobs recruitment portal or via the official agency/crewing partner indicated in the vacancy post.
- Attend screening & interviews (virtual or in-person). You may be asked to complete a practical skills test.
- Complete medical and background checks, obtain necessary maritime certifications and visas.