Administrative Assistant Toni Rivers

In the heart of South Carolina lies Santee State Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts, families, and adventurers alike. And behind the scenes, ensuring that every visitor's experience is remarkable, is Antonia “Toni” Rivers. With a warm smile, a wealth of knowledge, and an unwavering passion for her role, Toni has been the heartbeat of Santee State Park for 19 years.

 

Hailing from Pendleton, South Carolina, Toni’s roots are deeply embedded in the region's culture and community. Her commitment to her work shines brightly, having graduated Magna Cum Laude from Springfield College in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Human Services.  With two grown children who've embarked on their own paths, Toni’s journey has been one of dedication and service.

 

As the Administrative Assistant at Santee, Toni wears many hats, each one contributing to the seamless operation of the park. From training new employees to supervising desk clerks, she ensures that every interaction a visitor has is infused with warmth and efficiency. Making reservations, completing paperwork, and conducting interviews are just a few of the tasks that Toni handles on a daily basis.

 

Toni’s genuine love for people radiates in all she does. The joy of meeting new faces and forging lasting friendships is what truly sets her apart. She takes delight in sharing suggestions about activities and attractions within the park, enhancing visitors' experiences and helping them create memories.

 

While rewarding, Toni admits that seeing the park rangers she's helped train move on to other state parks is one of the hardest things. When working on a park you become family, seeing each other day in and day out, and it’s hard to say goodbye when folks promote and move on.

 

In her spare time, Toni enjoys visiting Dreher Island State Park. There she enjoys a relaxing getaway in their villas and fishing on Lake Murray.

 

Like many who work for the park service, Toni summarizes her job as "something different every day." The ever-changing nature of her role keeps her engaged and excited, making each day a new adventure. Her philosophy is simple: treat everyone with respect and ensure they have a great stay at Santee.

 

Toni Rivers is more than an administrative assistant; she's a beacon of hospitality at the park. Her journey at Santee State Park is an example to anyone who's a people person and seeks a fulfilling career.

Thank you, Toni, for all of your hard work and dedication! Take a peek into what a day in Toni’s life is like at Santee in Episode 28 of our “Day in the Life” series.

 

Think you might be interested in a job with the South Carolina State Park Service?  Click here to see our current, full-time job openings!