Auto insurer GEICO announced it is recruiting new staff with a plan to add 70 employees to its Fredericksburg, Va., office by the end of this year.

Citing its continued growth, the insurer said it is hiring customer service counselors and sales counselors, providing paid training for entry-level associates. The positions are available for high school and college graduates, applicants with some college education and experienced professionals, according to the company.

Since expanding its mid-Atlantic operations to Fredericksburg in 1990, GEICO has grown to employ more than 3,500 associates.

John Izzo, regional vice president of the Fredericksburg office, said in a statement the company expects continued growth through 2010 and “are looking for associates who want to grow with GEICO and be part of our success,”

Applicants can fill out an online application at GEICO’s website or visit the Fredericksburg office at One GEICO Blvd., off US-17/Warrenton Road from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2 or Dec. 16.

GEICO, a part of Berkshire Hathaway, is currently the nation’s third largest private passenger auto insurer, providing coverage for more than 9 million policyholders and insuring more than 16 million vehicles.