Wells Fargo is adding nearly 280 jobs across Georgia, with a small pool of those at its 17 banks in the Columbus area.

The company, which is now in the hiring process, said it is increasing staffing at branches and its home mortgage offices in response to a slowly improving economy, particularly in the housing market.

Columbus specifically will add 17 positions to its current workforce of 215.

Wells Fargo said half of the 278 new positions being created will be at branches, primarily bankers or financial specialists. The balance will be home loan officers and processors and underwriters.

Several other markets, including Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, will see their staffing levels increase as well.

Wells Fargo, which has 6,800 employees in Georgia, said it “prefers” applicants have experience in the positions they wish to pursue. The types of jobs and their requirements are posted at www.wellsfargo.com, with those interested needing to apply online.