From 1998 through 2002, he served as the legislative and community affairs director for the San Diego City Fire Fighters.

He has served as president of the San Diego League of Conservation Voters, vice-president of the Pacific Beach Town Council, been elected member of the Pacific Beach Community Planning Committee, and appointed member of the city's Select Committee on Government Efficiency and Fiscal Reform.

[5] After leaving the city council, Zucchet worked at the Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) as a project manager starting in 2006.

In 2009 he became the general manager of the San Diego Municipal Employees Association, the union that represents city workers.

On July 2, 2013, Zucchet (an avid bridge and card player at Duke University), finished in 4th place for $143,642 in Event #54, $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em, at the World Series of Poker.