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First Assistant Jobs in Savannah, GA (NOW HIRING)

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First Assistant information

See Savannah, GA salary details

$30.3K

$124.3K

$178.3K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Savannah, GA is $124,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $168,100.00 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 cities near Savannah, GA are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Savannah, GA with the most First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Savannah, GA 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 $124,301 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Novant Health

Hardeeville, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Novant Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 460 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

What We Offer
Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center is hiring a Surgical First Assist!
  • Location: 1000 Medical Center Dr., Hardeeville, South Carolina 29927
  • Status: Full Time
  • Schedule: 4 10-hour shifts or 3 12-hour shifts - 2-3 call shifts per month including 1 24-hour weekend call shift

Since opening in 2004, Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center has grown into a major health care facility serving our communities in and around Jasper County, SC. Whether you come here for a scheduled appointment or a medical emergency, you can expect fast, expert care. We are as committed to treating people with compassion as we are to delivering leading-edge treatments.
We offer services including:
Robotics for all General Surgery, Urological and Gynecology needs
Hernia Repairs
Gall bladder and Appendix
Bowel Resections
Port Placement and Removals
Total Joint Replacements
Arthroscopy Surgery
Treatment of fractures
Urological Treatment for Stones
Gynecological Surgery hysteroscopies ablations
Pain therapy
EGD's and Colonoscopies
What You'll Do
  • Assisting with patient positioning and surgical site preparation
  • Controlling bleeding through suctioning, clamping, and cauterization
  • Handling and manipulating tissues during surgery
  • Holding retractors and maintaining clear visualization of the surgical field
  • Suturing and closing incisions
  • Applying dressings and supporting postoperative care in the OR
  • Maintaining sterile technique and supporting infection prevention protocols

What We're Looking For
Education: Graduate, Formal CSFA program recognized by AST,required. 2 Year / Associate Degree, preferred. Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology Program.
Experience: 2 year previous Surgical Technologist experience, preferred.
Licensure/Certification: Current Certification as Surgical Technologist and First Assistant, required.
Additional Skills (required):
1. Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
2. Participate in preoperative assessment and planning for surgical patients specific to CSFA activities (eg, anatomical exposure, wound closure) in collaboration with perioperative team members.
3.Implement the plan of care by
a. protecting the patient from injury caused by extraneous objects and chemical, electrical, laser, mechanical, and thermal sources.
b. participating in accounting procedures to protect the patient from unintended retained surgical items.
c. performing interventions necessary to ensure that the patient's procedure is performed on the correct site, side, and level.
d. assisting with management of the patient's specimens as necessary.
e. communicating the patient's status to relevant parties throughout the continuum of care;
f. administering medications safely and correctly.
g. performing interventions to maintain the patient's wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels.
h. performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient's genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels;
i.
j. performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period.
k. performing interventions to protect the patient from surgical site infection.
I. protecting the patients' rights, dignity, and privacy.
m. providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice; and
n. providing consistent and comparable care regardless of the setting.
4. Function as a first assistant during operational and other invasive procedures byproviding exposure through correct use of instruments, retractors, suction, and sponging techniques.
5. handling and dissecting tissues in collaboration with the surgeon.
6. clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, and ligating vessels in collaboration with the surgeon.
7.placing drains as directed by the surgeon; and
8. suturing muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, and skin in collaboration with the surgeon.
9. Transfer care as applicable.
10. Collaborate effectively with other disciplines as applicable.
11. Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.
12. Participate in the performance appraisal process.
13. Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
14. Serve as an educator, mentor, consultant, and resource to peers, colleagues, and others in relation to CSFA activities.
15. Maintain regulatory, credentialing, and privileging requirements required for practice as a CSFA.
16. Participate in ongoing educational and competency verification activities applicable to CST and CSFA activities.
17. Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information
Additional Skills/Requirements (preferred): All other duties assigned.
Why Choose Novant Health?
At Novant Health, we believe remarkable care starts with compassion for our patients, our communities, and each other. We value belonging, courage, personal growth, and teamwork, creating a space where everyone is respected, supported, and safe to show up as their full selves.
Job Opening ID
173004

What Novant Health employees say

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About Novant Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Novant Health is a not-for-profit integrated system of 16 medical centers and more than 1,900 physicians in over 800 locations, as well as numerous outpatient surgery centers, medical plazas, rehabilitation programs, diagnostic imaging centers and community health outreach programs. Novant Health's more than 36,000 team members and physician partners care for patients and communities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Winston-Salem, NC, US

Year founded

1997