Volunteer
Join Us in Building Sustainable Human and Natural Communities
The Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH), part of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University, offers opportunities for volunteers, interns, researchers, and staff to contribute to our vision of sustainable human and natural communities in Palestine and beyond. Our mission advances four interconnected areas: research, education, conservation, and community service.
We welcome people who bring their own ideas, interests, knowledge, and professional skills—and who are eager to develop new skills through meaningful, hands-on work. Opportunities span both field and museum-based activities, including:
• Working in our botanical garden and supporting plant conservation
• Assisting with animal rescue and rehabilitation.
• Participating in research
• Supporting conservation projects and community-based environmental initiatives
• Developing exhibits and educational materials for the natural history museum including cultural heritage exhibition,
• Managing scientific and cultural collections and databases
• Supporting fundraising, communications, administration, and institutional development
• Helping with museum education and guiding visitors and tours
• Contributing creative ideas, artistic skills, digital expertise, and other areas of knowledge that can strengthen our programs
PMNH is more than a museum. It is part of a rapidly developing institution that connects science, culture, education, conservation, and community action. Volunteers and interns have an opportunity to work alongside scientists, educators, students, community members, and international partners while gaining practical experience and contributing to projects with real-world impact. This is an especially exciting time to join us as we prepare to open our new Palestine Museum of Natural History, with more than 1,300 square meters of exhibition space exploring Palestine's geology, biodiversity, natural history, ethnography, cultural heritage, and human history. Volunteers are helping us develop exhibits, collections, educational programs, gardens, research initiatives, and community activities that will make the museum a center for learning and engagement.
We also value the diversity that volunteers bring. People from different countries, disciplines, cultures, and professional backgrounds contribute new perspectives and ideas, enriching both our institution and our work. In return, volunteers can learn new skills, build professional and personal connections, gain experience in an international setting, and develop a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, history, biodiversity, and environmental challenges.
Palestine lies at the heart of the Fertile Crescent, one of the world's earliest centers of agriculture and domestication, and possesses an extraordinary biological and cultural heritage. Today, despite the challenges of occupation and environmental degradation, its landscapes, communities, traditions, and biodiversity remain remarkably rich and resilient. PMNH is located in Bethlehem, a city of exceptional historical and cultural significance and a major destination for visitors from around the world. Volunteers may also have opportunities to visit remarkable sites and landscapes in the region, including Jericho, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, and Battir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional agricultural terraces and water-management systems.
By joining PMNH, you do not simply volunteer at a museum. You become part of an evolving effort to understand, protect, and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Palestine while helping build a more sustainable future for both people and nature. For more information about our work and opportunities, visit palestinenature.org and watch our short introduction videp BELOW.
"Dear Dr. Mazin, Jessie, Reena, Khawla, Elias, Mohammad, Darian, the Turtles, the Peacock, The Scorpions, and the other Amazing PMNH creatures: Thank you Thank you Thank you for providing me with such a wonderful home for the past month. I have been constantly amazed by the dedication and passion that you apply for everything that you do here. This museum is one of the most welcoming spaces that I have ever encountered. Every moment is an opportunity to learn so many things. Every individual from visitor to volunteer to staff is absolutely treated with the respect and kindness that he preaches. PMNH is a special place..." - Julie
post-October 7th, 2023: International travel became difficult but we still welcome volunteers and Bethlehem itself is perhaps the safest place in Palestine ("Israel"). Also here are many opportunities for volunteering remotely, including working on research papers, writing, and designing the website, and creating material for the exhibition rooms. When volunteering remotely, you can dedicate as much or as little time as you wish. Contact us to find out more! Local volunteering is also encouraged.
Most people coming to visit get through when they declare at Lod (“Ben Gurion”) Airport that they are tourists coming to visit the holy sites, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem. If asked where you will be staying mention hostels in Jerusalem. From the airport you can take a Sherut (shared service taxis) or the high speed train to Jerusalem. From Jerusalem to Bethlehem, take bus 231 or 234 from Damascus gate. If taking the 231 bus, when you get to the last stop (Bab Zqaq), take a taxi to the museum (15 shekels). If taking the 234 bus, get off at the last stop at the wall, cross over through the wall and then simply walk to the museum (see map here) or again take a taxi (usually about 15 shekels). Taxi drivers are usually happy to call using their phone to get directions to where we are (in the Karkafa area of Bethlehem), but agree to the price before you get into the taxi.
For non-local volunteers, all living costs (meals and accommodation) are covered. Minimum volunteering time to partake of benefits like lodging and accommodation is 3 weeks. Space of lodging is limited.
Once you decide to volunteer, we ask you to fill out this Volunteer Application Form
