WASHINGTON — The head of the United States Forest Service stepped down Wednesday amid an investigation into sexual harassment accusations against him, a spokesman for the Agriculture Department said.

The resignation of the agency’s chief, Tony Tooke, comes days after “PBS NewsHour” reported that the Agriculture Department was investigating sexual misconduct complaints against him, including that Mr. Tooke had relationships with subordinates before his appointment to the top role.

According to the department’s spokesman, Mr. Tooke said in an email to his employees that he had been cooperating with the investigation but wanted to “make way for a new leader.”

“I have been forthright during the review, but I cannot combat every inaccuracy that is reported in the news media,” Mr. Tooke wrote. “What I can control, however, are decisions I make today and the choice of a path for the future that is best for our employees.”