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First Assistant Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$2.4K - $2.5K/wk

ALLIED-CSTFA - Certified Surgical Technician First Assist (Travel/Contract) We're hiring experienced ALLIED-CSTFA - Certified Surgical Technician First Assist for a 13-week contract in Glen Dale ...

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for ...

Showing results 21-40

First Assistant information

See West Virginia salary details

$25.2K

$103.3K

$148.3K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in West Virginia is $103,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,400.00 and $139,700.00 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.
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 35% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,314 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant- Weekends

WVU Medicine

Martinsburg, WV • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


WVU Medicine rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 580 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

571st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Welcome! We're excited you're considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you'll find other important information about this position.
Functions as the surgeons' assistant, working directly under his/her supervision throughout the procedures. Assists the nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or CRNA in the care of patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative phase.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Current Surgical Technologist Certification through ONE of the following boards:
  • National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

  • National Center for Competencies Testing (NCCT)

  • American Allied Health Association (AAHA)

2. Must have ONE of the following certifications:
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA)
  • Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)

3. Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.
EXPERIENCE:
1. Two (2) years of progressive clinical scrub experience in a CST role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Recommendation from three (3) different multi-specialty surgeons to validate skill competency.
CORE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Performs technical skills required to prepare for surgical procedures.
2. Assists other perioperative team members in the care of the surgical patient.
3. Provides direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
4. Under direction/supervision of surgeon, assists the surgeon in the perioperative care of patients and perform duties as assigned.
5. Assesses the needs of the patient as related to specific surgical procedures and collects supplies and equipment as related to the procedure.
6. Delivers age appropriate care which addresses patients' cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs.
7. Promotes a safe environment conducive to the patient's well-being. Observes for potential patient complications and reports observations to the Registered Nurse.
8. May assist in scheduling OR cases, recording information, and revising and updating surgeon preference cards via the information management system. Able to utilize the electronic medical record when applicable.
9. Functions in Central Reprocessing: decontamination of instruments, preparation of instruments for sterilization, demonstrates skill in the use of all equipment within CRP and maintains records for all equipment in accordance with policy/ procedure.
10. Utilizes proper positioning of the patient with consideration of patient's comfort and safety points of pressure padded without impairment of circulation.
11. Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securement of retractions; packing with sponges; digital manipulation and tissue; suctioning, irrigating, sponging; manipulation of suture materials; proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of surgeon's view.
12. Utilizes appropriate techniques with hemostasis for permanent and temporary techniques.
13. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
14. Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
15. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissues.
For facilities with specialty accreditation requirements:
1. Completion of annual required education related to specialty accreditation as defined by accreditation standards. Training may be completed through CBLs, trainings, In-services, and competency validation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
2. Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs
3. Possess visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
4. Ability to wear personal protective equipment and lead for extended periods of time.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. May be exposed to communicable diseases, toxic gas, fume and odor.
2. Exposure to electrical current and radiation from x-rays.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Must have the ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
2. Must have the ability to work successfully under stressful condition, and must be capable of adapting to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
3. Must have the ability to make sound judgments based on scientific principles, and also be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion.
4. Must have the ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
5. Must have thorough knowledge/scrub skills for all surgical specialties.
Additional Job Description:
12hrs x 3- weekends
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Shift:
Weekend (United States of America)
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Company:
BMC Berkeley Medical Center
Cost Center:
72 BMC Nursing Operating Room
Address:
2500 Hospital Drive
Martinsburg
West Virginia
Equal Opportunity Employer
West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

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