Operating Assistant - Theatre

Support Safe, Efficient Surgical Care in a Welcoming Rural Hospital

Remuneration: $33.83 - $34.72 per hour + superannuation
Location: Cessnock District Hospital
Employment Type: Casual
Position Classification: Ops Assist
Requisition ID: REQ686667
Applications Close: Sunday 28th February 2027

About the role:

We are looking for casual staff to join our Operating Theatre Team, where you will provide support to complement the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient care.

Core Responsibilities:
 

• Patient Care & Transport: Move, transfer, and position patients safely between theatre, recovery, day stay and wards while maintaining patient dignity.
• Theatre Turnaround: Clean, prepare, and maintain operating rooms, surgical equipment between procedures.
• Equipment Management: Assemble and check equipment for cleanliness and function and report any faulty items.
• General Support: Transport specimens securely, restock supplies, and assist nursing or medical staff during surgical lists.

Where you’ll be working:

Cessnock District Hospital is a welcoming rural facility providing high-quality surgical and emergency services to the local community. The hospital features a Medical and Surgical Ward, a busy Emergency Department and an onsite Operating Theatre supported by Visiting Medical Officers, Anaesthetists and Surgeons in delivering Elective general surgery, endoscopy, urology, and gynae services. As the operational assistant – Perioperative Services, you will work alongside the peri-operative team to support the safe, clean, and efficient day-to-day running of the clinical areas, particularly within perioperative services and operating suites.

About you:

• High level written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience in intraoperative theatre duties including transfer of patients onto the operating table and positioning of patients, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work morning and afternoon shifts Monday - Friday.
• Specialised cleaning skills.
• Ability to work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Demonstrated commitment to working within scope of practice.
• Commitment to safe, person-centred care.
• Willingness to participate in relevant education and competency development.
   

What we offer

At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: 

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information:
 

• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. 
• If you are currently employed with HNE Health in a position of the same grade, you may not need to submit an online application to be considered. Please contact the hiring manager to discuss your options first. 
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.   

Need more information? 

  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Katharine Redhead on Katharine.Redhead@health.nsw.gov.au