Your work experience sounds like it will mesh very nicely with the CWI. A CWI with a good back ground in welding will find that experience very beneficial when inspecting the actual welds.
The first place I would look is the job board available on the AWS website. A lot of companies list their job opportunities there, not only for CWIs, but welding opening, engineering positions, etc. It will give you a good chance to see what type of openings are available. While there might not be one in your home town today, there might be a week from now.
Just because you earn your CWI credential, I would not up an quit my job, but I would keep my ears open to any opportunities that do come up.
I continued to work as an Ironworker for a few years after I got my CWI, but when the opportunity came up, I was ready to make my move.
Actually, your current employer could have an opening or may even make an opportunity for you once they see what you can do. The CWI isn't necessarily the golden key some people think it is, but it will definitely open a lot of doors would be otherwise closed.
Good luck - Al