Dato' Hj. Zainal Abidin joined the Malaysian Civil Services in 1970 and has served numerous departments and ministries. Some of the more important posts held include:

1975 - 84 : Served as District Officer in Kuala Lipis, Kuala Kangsar and Klang
1984 - 86 : Under Secretary, Ministry of Land & Regional Development
1986 - 89 : Director of Lands & Mines, Negeri Sembilan
1989 - 94 : State Development Officer, Johor
1995 - 96 : Director of Lands & Mines, Pahang
1996 - 98 : State Financial Officer, Pahang
1998 - 01 : State Secretary, Pahang
2002 to now : Member of Election Commission of Malaysia.

Dato' Hj. Zainal Abidin has served as a member on several boards.