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First Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

LifeCenter Northwest

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA

$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 ...

The Provider Finder

Urology Physician Assistant

Renton, WA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

First-assist in the operating room as needed * Manage inpatient and outpatient follow-ups * Collaborate closely with the neuro team, nursing staff, and other departments to ensure high-quality ...

Prosport

Physician Assistant Certified (PA-C)

Kent, WA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

First assist in advanced arthroscopic and open procedures • Clinical: Manage initial ... consultations, follow-ups, and post-surgical care in your dedicated clinic • Procedures: Perform ...

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All JobsFirst JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA

First Assistant information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$35.6K

$146K

$209.5K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Tacoma, WA is $145,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,300.00 and $197,500.00 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 Tacoma, WA are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most First Assistant job openings:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,996 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Surgical First Assist

LifeCenter Northwest

Bellevue, WA

$99K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

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 LifeCenter’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 75 pounds 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:  The Organ Procurement Industry is unique, but generally we find that people with experience in the following industries can be successful in this position:

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST.

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 found at https://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 candidate’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.

Apply