Remuneration: $64,514.11 – $66,198.95 Per Year + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time, Permanent part Time and Casual Opportunities Available
Position Classification: Operations Assistant – Others
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Maitland Hospital
Requisition ID: REQ647249
Application closing date: Sunday 29th March 2026
Be part of a fast-paced operating theatre team supporting life-changing surgical care every day
About the role
As an Operations Assistant within the Operating Theatres at Maitland Hospital, you will play an important role in supporting the safe and efficient delivery of surgical services. Working as part of the multidisciplinary perioperative team, you will provide essential non-clinical support to nursing and medical staff to help ensure theatre lists run smoothly and patients receive high-quality care.
Your responsibilities will include preparing operating theatres with the required equipment prior to procedures, assisting with patient transfers and positioning for surgery, and ensuring theatres are cleaned and reset efficiently between cases in accordance with infection control and ACORN standards. You will also assist with transporting patients, specimens, and equipment, restocking theatre supplies, and maintaining a safe and organised working environment. Through your contribution, you will help maintain patient flow and support the delivery of safe, effective surgical care.
This role operates on a 24/7 rotating roster across seven days, with eight-hour shifts supporting both planned and emergency procedures.
Where you'll be working
You will be part of the Operating Theatre team at Maitland Hospital, located within the Lower Hunter Sector of Hunter New England Health. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services including medical, surgical, mental health, maternity, paediatrics, dental, renal, and one of the busiest emergency departments in the country.
The perioperative service performs procedures across a wide range of specialties including general surgery, endoscopy, ENT, paediatrics, urology, gynaecology, obstetrics, and orthopaedics. With operating theatres running seven days a week and emergency access available 24 hours a day, you will be working in a dynamic and supportive environment focused on delivering excellent patient care.
You will receive structured orientation and training, with initial support provided by the Perioperative Educator and Senior Operations Assistants during the supernumerary period. Ongoing guidance and development opportunities are also available, including training on specialised equipment as required.
What You'll Bring to the Team
You are a motivated and reliable team member who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to high-quality patient care. With strong time management skills and a proactive approach, you are able to manage competing priorities while supporting the smooth running of theatre lists and patient flow.
You work well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, communicating effectively with colleagues and offering assistance where needed. You take pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and well‐organised environment and are committed to learning new skills and adapting to the demands of a busy operating theatre.
While experience working in an operating theatre or healthcare environment is desirable, it is not essential. Training and support will be provided for the right candidate who demonstrates a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to patient‐centred care.
Key Accountabilities & Challenges
In this role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the operating theatres. This includes preparing rooms and equipment in line with theatre lists, ensuring all items are clean, complete, and functioning correctly, and maintaining theatre supplies while identifying any equipment requiring maintenance.
You will help maintain a safe and hygienic environment by undertaking environmental cleaning of theatres and ancillary areas in accordance with infection control and ACORN standards. This includes removing soiled linen and waste and preparing theatres between procedures to ensure they are ready for the next case.
Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, you will assist with patient transfers and positioning while maintaining dignity and safety at all times. You may also transport pathology specimens, blood products, and equipment, following standard precautions and safe manual handling practices.
In this busy perioperative environment, you will need to manage competing priorities, support the safe and effective use of theatre resources, and collaborate effectively with the team to maintain smooth theatre operations and positive patient experiences.
* Ensure compliance with infection control policies and safe work practices.
* Support theatre staff to deliver high‐quality, patient‐centred care.
* All duties are carried out in accordance with organisational policies, the NSW Health Code of Conduct, and the Hunter New England Health Values Charter.
Why Join HNE?
* A supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team
* Opportunities to learn new skills in a fast‐paced perioperative environment
* Structured orientation and training with experienced mentors
* Ongoing professional development opportunities
* Career progression opportunities within NSW Health
* Salary packaging options to increase take‐home pay
* Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support wellbeing
Need more information?
Click here for Position Description
Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Katie Peattie on Katie.Peattie@health.nsw.gov.au
Additional Information
* An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
* 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.
* To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
* We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Information for Applicants
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description. For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child‐safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well‐being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
Salary Packaging
Salary Packaging is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take‐home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
Hunter New England Local Health District
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au.
Benefits for Employees
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
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