Doesn’t hurt to ask. If anything, you’d be on a priority list so when new hires come along, none get thrown into that position ahead of you.
At my building, it’s up to managements discretion. We have a sort crew, and a jet crew generally speaking. When initially hired, they either randomly throw people inside or outside, or they ask initially. Guys with enough seniority have and still do both roles. Some haven’t stepped foot outside ever. Some have been outside forever.
What I’ve learned is that some buildings don’t define job titles as easier or harder than others, so there’s no qualified way to have a seniority employee overtake a job of someone that’s brand new.
Pretty much, other than bid lists, volunteer extra shifts, and vacation/op. Days scheduling, seniority means little as far as general work assignments.