Stable Master

Back when Sitka Cove was founded, horses were the most reliable and cheapest modes of transportation. Not to mention that they could help drag logs out of the woods, or help turn a field to grow a family's crops. Or even grain to feed the same horses pulling the equipment, or the family wagon.
Often, folks would come riding into town, whether they be locals that had come for supplies or a  town meeting, and they would want somewhere safe to put their horse(s). The town stable fit the bill nicely.
It was secure, solidly built, large enough to hold several horses of any size, had a reasonably-sized paddock out back, and a Stable Master to oversee the building.
The Stable Master's job was to oversee the stable boys, who were often assigned the tasks the Stable Master could not do, or did not want to do. This could include mucking out of stalls or carrying heavy bags of feed.
Once or twice in the history of Sitka Cove's earliest days, there were Stable Masters that took apprentices on to show them how to properly care for horses, and if the youngster showed that he cared for the horses and enjoyed his work, he was tapped to take on the Stable Master's job when the "old man" retired. 
The good Stable Masters would often remain in their position for life.

Perception

Social Status

While the Stable Master was considered a lower-class occupation, it was readily acknowledged to be a necessary one. The wiser men in the community knew that a good man in the position would take better care of the horses and oxen in their care. Better care equaled happy animals, which was better for everyone.

Demographics

Historically, Stable Master was not considered a proper profession for a "Lady", but there are a few female Stable Masters recorded in the annals of history. In Sitka Cove's history, most "good" Stable Masters, regardless of gender, were well-paid and happy with their position. They may not have been upper class, but they were valued, and so usually treated better than many others in their socio-economic class.