His interest in animal behavior was apparent early in his life, when at age 22, he identified and described a new species of lizard, Cnemidophorus velox, the plateau striped whiptail.
He obtained his specimens for examination by shooting them with a .22 calibre rifle loaded with a specially concocted "dust shot" cartridge made by his cousin, Max Barnes, who was an ordnance expert for the United States Army.
During his tenure there, the project was expanded, making notable progress in developing more effective fishing methods for shrimp and tuna in the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1961, Springer became interested in an opportunity in the bureau that would allow him to pursue further shark research in an academic setting on the Stanford University campus.
To qualify for the competitive civil service position as a fishery biologist, he needed at least a baccalaureate degree in the biological sciences.
Stewart Springer retired from federal service in 1971, but he continued his research while employed by the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida.
In April 1979, he completed his last major research project with publication by the National Marine Fisheries Service of "A Revision of the Catsharks, Family Scyliorhinidae."
[3] Springer served in 1960 as government advisor to the Rules of the Road delegation to the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea.
In 1964, Springer was chief scientist, Cruise 8, International Indian Ocean Expedition aboard the research vessel Anton Brun.