MERIDIAN — Isaac Ontiveros is spending his summer at Roaring Springs and Wahooz, but you won’t find him lounging in the pool or playing miniature golf.

The 31-year-old is earning $11 per hour trimming hedges, cutting grass, pulling weeds and doing maintenance work.

“It’s a lot of work, but I need the extra cash in the summer,” Isaac said. “When my shift is over I’m tired.”

Facing student loans and bills, the Vallivue School District psychosocial rehabilitation specialist isn’t taking much of a break. He works more than 55 hours a week to bring in $2,000 a month.

“What I enjoy most about the job is the hands on work and being able to listen to audio books while working,” Isaac said.

This is Isaac’s third summer working at the water park and entertainment center.

During the school year, Isaac works with students who have behavior disorders. He provides kids with coping skills and teaches them how to be independent.

“I want my students to succeed and to do that I’m there to help them,” Isaac said.

Isaac plans to wrap up the summer work just before the new school year begins. He will go back to Wahooz over winter break to earn extra holiday cash.

“It’s money and it’s better than nothing,” Isaac said.