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First Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 6 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel The Registered Nurse First Assistant is a licensed professional who renders ...

New

OR First Assist

Crescent City, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Now Hiring: RN OR First Assist - Crescent City, CA Are you a passionate RN professional looking for a new adventure? Prime Time Healthcare is seeking dynamic individuals like you to join our team in ...

OR First Assist

Templeton, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Now Hiring: RN OR First Assist - Templeton, CA Are you a passionate RN professional looking for a new adventure? Prime Time Healthcare is seeking dynamic individuals like you to join our team in ...

OR First Assist

Chico, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Now Hiring: RN OR First Assist - Chico, CA Are you a passionate RN professional looking for a new adventure? Prime Time Healthcare is seeking dynamic individuals like you to join our team in Chico ...

1st Assistant Superintendent

Tarzana, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Superintendent First Assistant at Mulholland Hills Country Club | Premier Golf & Lifestyle Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success ...

1st Assistant Superintendent

Tarzana, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Superintendent First Assistant at Mulholland Hills Country Club | Premier Golf & Lifestyle Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success ...

1st Assistant Superintendent

Tarzana, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Superintendent First Assistant at Mulholland Hills Country Club | Premier Golf & Lifestyle Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success ...

Showing results 21-40

First Assistant information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$131.7K

$189K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in California is $131,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $178,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a first assistant?

To become a first assistant, typically you need relevant experience in the field, strong communication and organizational skills, and often a background in the specific industry or role. Some positions may require specific certifications or training, and gaining experience through entry-level roles can help advance to a first assistant position.

What is a first assistant?

First Assistants, often referred to as First Assistant Directors (First ADs) in film and television production, are responsible for coordinating all production activities on set. They assist the director by managing the shooting schedule, ensuring that cast and crew are prepared, and facilitating communication between departments. Their role is essential in keeping the production running smoothly, safely, and on time. First Assistants also help enforce safety protocols and can be involved in overseeing rehearsals and blocking scenes. Overall, they play a key organizational and leadership role in any production.

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

To thrive as a First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, usually backed by a relevant certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent clinical training. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical records is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and support seamless teamwork in the operating room.

What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?

AspectFirst AssistantSecond Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industrySimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentHigh-pressure settings, assisting lead professionalsSupport role, often in administrative or support settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support roleSupporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for responsibilities and qualificationsLess frequently searched in comparison to First Assistant

The First Assistant typically holds more responsibilities, requires specific certifications, and works closely with lead professionals in high-pressure environments. The Second Assistant generally provides support and performs delegated tasks, often with less experience or certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and role expectations within the industry.

What are some common challenges first assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?

First Assistants often juggle multiple priorities, such as managing complex calendars, responding to urgent requests, and coordinating logistics for meetings or events. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication and anticipating the needs of executives, which requires strong organizational skills and discretion. Additionally, First Assistants may need to adapt quickly to changing schedules or last-minute tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential. Building good relationships with both internal teams and external contacts also helps ensure smooth workflow and successful collaboration.

What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in California?

The most popular types of First jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,704 per year, or $63.3 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

GlobalPoint

Chico, CA โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

GlobalPoint is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Chico, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Job Description:

The Registered Nurse First Assistant is a licensed professional who renders direct patient care as a part of the perioperative role by functioning as a first assistant to the surgeon.  The RNFA practices an expanded role of perioperative nursing and has acquired knowledge, skills and judgment necessary to assist the surgeon through organized instruction and supervised practice.  The RNFA practices under the supervision of the surgeon in the Operating Room and Labor and Delivery Suite as a First Assistant. 

Requirements: 

- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
- Current licensure with the California Board of Registered Nursing
- Current CPR or BLS
- Current ACLS recognition


 

About GlobalPoint

As the top healthcare recruitment agency, GlobalPoint fills the gap between the hospitals and the well-qualified nurses. Our modern recruitment platform delivers the fastest and most compliant placements via our real-time data insights. Streamlining the recruitment process from different talent sources is a nerve-wracking task, and we use smart tools to ensure the quality care for your hospital.

Our next-gen technology saves time and effort to take care of the patients with our registered nursing and healthcare services. 

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • 401k retirement plan