Go Daddy, the world’s largest Web-hosting and domain name registrar, is making Hiawatha its new home in eastern Iowa. This means Go Daddy is creating dozens of new jobs almost immediately and hundreds more over the coming months and years.

Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons, who has a rich history in Iowa, made the announcement today. The decision puts an end to a several-week battle between Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha — two communities that wooed the award-winning employer.

“Go Daddy is happy to put the speculation to rest and focus on our expansion plans in Hiawatha,” Parsons said from the company’s Scottsdale, Ariz. headquarters today. “I’m just back from spending some time in the office there and I can tell you we’re going to be rocking and rolling out of Iowa in no time.”

Go Daddy expects to hire some 60 people almost immediately and 100-200 over the next year. Employees are needed to help Go Daddy serve its rapidly-growing customer base, which now exceeds 8.1 million people worldwide.

The Go Daddy jobs range from skilled developer positions, to jobs with the company’s industry-best customer care division, for which Go Daddy provides on-site training. Parsons believes the eastern Iowa talent pool will provide employees who have a passion for technology and want to make a difference.

“That’s what Go Daddy is all about — making a difference,” Parsons said. “We’re looking for hard working people who have that light in their eye.” Parsons’ philosophy has helped Go Daddy attract an enthusiastic workforce passionate about helping customers.

His own passion for technology initially took off from Parsons’ Cedar Rapids basement where he founded Parsons Technology. Go Daddy’s new Hiawatha office is located at 1 Parsons Drive, which used to house Parsons Technology some 15 years ago.

“We’re thrilled to see a great company like Go Daddy expand here in Iowa,” said Gov. Chet Culver. “These Go Daddy jobs provide good wages with great benefits and the opportunity for workers to move up the ranks — this is good old fashion American business at its best.”

All of Go Daddy’s customer care positions are based in the U.S.A.

Go Daddy had a smaller office in Cedar Rapids for some nine years before moving to Hiawatha. The Internet powerhouse employs more than 2,600 people and has facilities in Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert and Phoenix, Ariz.; as well as Denver, Colo.; Toronto, Canada and the Netherlands. Go Daddy plans to expand with a data center in Asia this fall.

Go Daddy offers competitive wages, generous benefits and is known for being a fun place to work. To apply, visit GoDaddy.com/Jobs.