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First Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

City of Hope

Physician Assistant - GI Surgery

Irvine, CA · On-site

$119K - $213K/yr

To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.   We are seeking a Physician Assistant with First Assist experience for Surgical Oncology at City of Hope in Irvine. The ...

City of Hope

Physician Assistant - GI Surgery

Irvine, CA · On-site

$119K - $213K/yr

To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.   We are seeking a Physician Assistant with First Assist experience for Surgical Oncology at City of Hope in Irvine. The ...

Arrowhead Orthopaedics

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and closure. * Support care across multiple subspecialties as needed (sports, trauma, adult reconstruction ...

Arrowhead Orthopaedics

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and closure. * Support care across multiple subspecialties as needed (sports, trauma, adult reconstruction ...

Arrowhead Orthopaedics

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and closure. * Support care across multiple subspecialties as needed (sports, trauma, adult reconstruction ...

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All JobsFirst JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

First Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.9K

$139.2K

$199.8K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Riverside, CA is $139,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $188,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of First jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most First Assistant job openings:

First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA 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 $139,225 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Physician Assistant - GI Surgery

City of Hope

Irvine, CA • On-site

$119K - $213K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix. our dedicated and compassionate employees are driven by a common mission: To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.   

We are seeking a Physician Assistant with First Assist experience for Surgical Oncology at City of Hope in Irvine. The Physician Assistant functions as part of a care team who, working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary health team, is responsible for providing comprehensive patient care. The Physician Assistant provides independent and collaborative medical management to a defined patient population, according to standardized procedures and in collaboration with a physician supervisor. 

As a successful candidate, you will:  

  • Provide primary, secondary, and in some cases, tertiary care within scope of practice, licensure, and organizational policies.
  • Services provided include, but are not limited to taking histories, conducting physical examinations, ordering, performing, and interpreting appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests and therapies and furnishing drugs and devices in a cost-efficient manner for specific conditions.
  • Perform history and physical assessments of patients that are accurate, concise, relevant, and appropriate.
  • Document the consultation and new patient note.
  • Perform routine procedures, both inpatient and outpatient, pertinent to the practice and as granted through the privilege process.
  • During simple follow-up cases, the you may independently manage patients in follow-up including ordering follow-up imaging, providing medical care, and support to the patient including ordering pharmacological agents.
  • Interpret imaging and communicates with attending physician regarding interval patient change.
  • Prescribe and council patients on narcotic use safety.
  • Demonstrate pharmacologic knowledge including indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse effects of pharmacologic agents.
  • Review treatment and therapy plans with patients and appropriate family members.
  • Practice clinical care informed by evidence-based literature.
  • Instruct and counsel patients in matters related to health care management including diet, medication and physical and mental health needs and refers to the appropriate specialists when appropriate.

Your qualifications should include:   

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program with a master’s degree as a Physician Assistant.
  • Oncology experience preferred
  • Robotics experience highly preferred
  • First Assist experience
  • Current California Physician Assistant License
  • Current American Heart Association BLS certification, required.
  • Current American Heart Association ACLS certification, required.
  • Must have a current DEA.
  • $119,000 to $213,832

“City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria:  work experience, qualifications, and work location.”

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

What City Of Hope employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

City of Hope logo

About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913

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