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1St Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$91K - $148K/yr

Surgical first assist, including sharp dissection * Vascular dissection for cannulation of kidneys placed on perfusion devices * Renal Pulsatile perfusion * How to independently recover research ...

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$99K - $148K/yr

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate ...

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$91K - $148K/yr

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate ...

Certified Registered Nurse First Assist (CRNFA) [Preferred] Pay Range: $36.09 - $67.12 This facility is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal, state and local anti-discrimination ...

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1St Assistant information

What is a 1st assistant?

A 1st Assistant, often referred to as a First Assistant or First Assistant Director (1st AD) in the film and television industry, is responsible for coordinating the cast and crew, managing the shooting schedule, and ensuring that production runs smoothly and on time. They act as the right hand to the director, facilitating communication between departments and maintaining order on set. Their role is crucial in keeping the project organized and addressing any logistical challenges that arise during filming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st assistant, and why are they important?

To excel as a 1st Assistant, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, usually supported by certification as a Certified First Assistant (CFA) or similar credential. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic health record systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you anticipate surgeon needs and support the surgical team effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring patient safety, efficient procedures, and smooth teamwork in the operating room.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st assistant, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a 1st Assistant, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple priorities and ensuring smooth communication between the director, department heads, and crew. The role often requires rapid problem-solving and adaptability, especially when unexpected changes or time constraints arise on set. Effective organization, proactive planning, and maintaining a calm, positive attitude help address these challenges. Building strong professional relationships and being clear in your communication can also make a significant difference in ensuring production runs efficiently.

What is the difference between 1St Assistant vs 2Nd Assistant?

Aspect1St Assistant2Nd Assistant
CredentialsRelevant certifications, experience in assisting senior staffSimilar credentials, often less experience required
Work EnvironmentSupports primary assistant, often in busy or high-pressure settingsAssists the 1st Assistant, typically in less complex tasks
Industry UsageCommon in legal, medical, and corporate sectorsOften found in same industries, supporting the 1st Assistant

The 1st Assistant and 2nd Assistant roles are closely related, with the 1st Assistant typically having more experience and taking on more responsibilities. The 2nd Assistant supports the 1st Assistant and handles secondary tasks. Both roles are essential in high-demand environments like legal, medical, or corporate settings, but the 1st Assistant usually works directly with senior staff and manages more complex duties.

Infographic showing various 1St Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA โ€ข On-site

LifeCenter Northwest
Non-Profitsย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$91K - $148K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Hospitals in Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, & Washington - Bellevue, WA 98006

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $91,429.00 - $148,800.00 Salary

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate process necessary to make the gift of life through organ donation happen. The SFA brings essential equipment for surgery, and scrubs into surgery directly assisting our remarkable Surgical Organ Recovery Specialists. After surgery, the SFA helps deliver organs such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, lungs, and bowel in a chain of handoffs to the transplant recipient.

  • Comprehensive anatomy training
  • Surgical first assist, including sharp dissection
  • Vascular dissection for cannulation of kidneys placed on perfusion devices
  • Renal Pulsatile perfusion
  • How to independently recover research thoracic and abdominal organs
  • Independent recovery of heart for valve tissue processing
  • Logistics around organ recovery and transplantation

This position has 3 career levels, with increased knowledge required at each level. We hire at all levels commiserate with relevant experience. Those with more experience can advance the levels faster while meeting the goals of each level. Applicants with all levels of experience are encouraged to apply.

What you will do:
  • Work a 24-hour on-call schedule
  • Travel by personal automobile, commercial and chartered aircraft throughout LifeCenterโ€™s donation service area which includes Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington
  • Provide rapid on-site response
  • Acts as Surgical First Assist to the Surgical Organ Recovery Specialist, or visiting surgeon
  • Responsible for renal pulsatile perfusion of suitable kidneys for optimal transplantation outcomes.
  • Trained to independently recover organs for research and heart for valve processing
  • Preservation and packaging of organs for optimal transplantation outcomes
  • Document case data and complete recovery documentation within assigned timeframe.
  • Ensures effective communication and strong collaboration with hospital personnel, physicians, related donation agencies, transplant centers, and other LifeCenter staff.
  • Assist thoracic recovery teams with recovery perfusion and packaging
What you need:
  • Previous Operating Room (O.R.) experience
  • Certification or relevant surgical training
  • Hands on experience with tissue manipulation, sharp and blunt dissection skills, tying and suturing skills
  • The ability to meet schedule and travel requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 75pounds with or without assistance
  • Knowledge of anatomy and aseptic technique
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or applicable medical or religious exemption will be required as a condition of employment upon offer. For those that need to complete the vaccination series, start dates will be adjusted.
Who we want:
  • Someone who shares our values:Integrity, Collaboration, Service, and Courage
  • Surgical First Assist experience
Experience that translates well into this role:
  • First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST.
Benefits and Compensation

LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and travel accident insurance. Employees have the option of enrolling in the following supplemental or voluntary plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage and pet insurance. Employees enrolled in our 403(b) program will receive an employer match of up to 7% after one year, employees are auto enrolled at 3% and may change their enrollment at any time. LifeCenter encourages all employees to find balance and well-being and provides all employees access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and provides a quarterly Wellness Reimbursement. Employees enjoy paid holidays throughout the calendar year and earn 119 hours of PTO annually (to start) as well as Health Time Off hours that is earned 1 hour per 30 worked, paid living donor leave, two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service, and three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service is complete. A comprehensive review of benefits can be foundathttps://lcnw.org/about/employment-opportunities/.

PAY RANGE
  • SFA I: $91,429 - $132,608 Salary
  • SFA II: $94,560 - $141,840 Salary
  • SFA III: $99,200 - $148,800 Salary

The pay range for this role is provided above. Where a candidateโ€™s compensation falls within this range is based on several bona fide factors such as experience, tenure, and other specialized knowledge. LifeCenter Northwest is committed to providing its employees equitable and competitive compensation.

This position is eligible for additional compensation to the base pay rate, in the form of Extra Call Pay, Extra Call Worked, Overnight Differential and Holiday Stipend Pay.

LifeCenter Northwest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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