The workload of a keeper varies widely from zoo to zoo. Some keepers, such as elephant and great ape keepers, take care of only a handful of individuals. Others, such as aquarists, may care for thousands of individuals a day. Some keepers have their charges assigned based on taxonomy (cat keepers, bird keepers, primate keepers), others based on their geographical location within the zoo (this building, that section of yards, etc). Some keepers take care of the same animals every day. Others are the swings.
Swing keepers fill in where needed, able to take on the challenge of working with every (or almost every) animal in the zoo. I've been a "steady" keeper and I've been a swing keeper, and there are advantages to either. It's great having access to the entire zoo, the fun of working with every species and getting to experience what it's like working with all of the animals. On the other hand, you really don't get the chance to build as much expertise and as close relations as you do when you work with the same animals day in, day out.
Enjoy this video from the St. Louis Zoo, detailing the day of a swing keeper.
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